EMSB Election Results Information Centre/Centre d'information sur les résultats des élections de la CSEM

Voters within the territory of the English Montreal School Board will cast their ballots for the choice of chair and commissioner in 10 wards on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Advance polls will occur on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Stay tuned to this space for up to date results when polls close.

Here are the candidates:

Chair: 

Katherine Korakakis, Team Katherine Korakakis

Joe Ortona, Team Joe Ortona

Ward 1 

Ahuntsic-Cartierville–Montréal-Nord 

Franco Mazzariello, Team Katherine Korakakis

Susan Perera , Team Joe Ortona

Ward 2 

 Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce 

Chelsea Craig,  Team Joe Ortona

Howie Silbiger, Team Katherine Korakakis

Ward 3 

 Côte-Saint-Luc. Montreal West, Hampstead 

Samara Perez, Team Katherine Korakakis

Paola Samuel, Team Joe Ortona

Ward 4 

 Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve–Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie–Plateau-Mont-Royal–Anjou–Montreal-Est 

Maria Corsi, Team Joe Ortona

Viktoriya Grosko, Team Katherine Korakakis

Ward 5 

 Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Joseph Lalla, Team Katherine Korakakis

Sharon Nelson, Team Joe Ortona

Ward 6 

 Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles 

Tony Aversano, Team Katherine Korakakis 

Pietro Mercuri, Team Joe Ortona

Ward 7 

Saint-Laurent 

James Kromida, Team Joe Ortona

Vicky Pololos, Team Katherine Korakakis

Ward 8  

 Saint-Léonard 

Mario Pietrangelo,  Team Joe Ortona

Antonio Zaruso,  Team Katherine Korakakis

Ward 9 

Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension–Mont-Royal–Outremont 

Joanne Charron, Team Katherine Korakakis

Paula Kilian,  Team Joe Ortona

Ward 10 

 Westmount–Sud-Ouest–Ville-Marie 

Shalani Bel, Team Katherine Korakakis   

Julien Feldman, Team Joe Ortona

Conference for professionals: understanding sibling relationships throughout the lifespan

 

Ometz excited to announce that the Pearl Leibovitch Clinical Day, a conference for professionals, is back by popular demand. Hosted by Ometz, this year's event promises to deliver insights and strategies to enhance your understanding of sibling relationships throughout the lifespan.

 

Roots and Branches: Cultivating strong Sibling Bonds from Childhood Onwards*

with speakers Dr. Corinna Jenkins Tucker and Dr. Tanya Rouleau Whitworth

November 12, 2024

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location to be confirmed upon registration

 

Registration Fees (includes light lunch):

Standard: $200

Early Bird: $175 (Register before September 15th)

Language: English with simultaneous translation

 

There's more!

The Pear Leibovitch Community Webinar for parents will be taking place on November 11th, click here to learn more.

--

Pour faire suite à la demande générale, nous avons le plaisir d’annoncer le retour de la journée de perfectionnement Pearl Leibovitch, une conférence pour les professionnels. Organisé par l’Agence Ometz, l’événement de cette année a pour objectif de vous apporter des informations et stratégies afin de mieux comprendre les relations fraternelles à tout moment de la vie.

 

Créer des liens solides entre frères et sœurs dès l’enfance : Gérer les conflits, éviter le favoritisme et préserver l’harmonie

Avec nos intervenantes Corinna Jenkins Tucker et Tanya Rouleau Whitworth

12 novembre 2024*

9 h – 13 h

Lieu à confirmer au moment de l'inscription

 

Frais d’inscription (repas léger sera servi):

Standard : 200 $

Inscription anticipée : 175 $ (s'inscrire avant le 15 septembre)

Langue : Anglais avec traduction simultanée

 

Il y a plus!

Le webinaire communautaire de Pearl Leibovitch pour les parents aura lieu le 11 novembre, cliquez ici pour en savoir plus.

Information for Schools Planning Terry Fox Runs

 Here is a letter the EMSB received from the Terry Fox Foundation in Montreal

Thanks so much for your support of the Terry Fox School Run. Every year, we continue to be blown away by the generosity of schools across Canada.  We can’t thank you enough for your leadership to foster a culture of giving within your family of schools.  We have another exciting year planned for this year’s Terry Fox School Run scheduled for Friday, September 27 or any date that schools choose.

 Every school that signs up receives a complementary Terry Fox Toolkit of promotional materials, a customized online fundraising page and access to a wide array of online resources. Here are just a few of the resources we provide:

Complimentary Virtual Presentations:  Our dynamic and engaging speakers will inspire students by covering topics including Terry’s life and legacy and advancements in cancer research, along with a live Q and A.

K-12 Terry Fox Lesson Plans: Teach Terry – Our Terry theme-based lesson plans are written by educators for educators and are widely used across the country each year.

Leadership Guides: Our resources strive to broaden student social awareness and support new young leaders by empowering them to lead their Terry Fox School Run.

This year we have almost 10,000 schools coast to coast to coast participating. We are working towards a goal of signing up every school in Canada, but we need your help! Please share the sample message below with your school communities in support of this year’s School Run. 

As we begin the school year, the Terry Fox School Run is fast approaching, and we encourage all schools to participate in this fantastic event to help continue the legacy of one of our greatest Canadian heroes. This year the Foundation has a goal to sign up every school in Canada. Let’s all work together to help them reach their goal and support cancer research!

The School Run is scheduled for Friday, September 27 but you are welcome to choose any date that works for your school. If you have not already registered for this year’s Run, please visit terryfoxschoolrun.org/register-school-run/ for a quick and easy registration. Upon registering, a complementary Terry Fox Toolkit of promotional materials will be shipped to you by your provincial Terry Fox Foundation office located at:

Terry Fox Foundation School Provincial Office

8255 Mountain Sights, Suite 400, Montreal Quebec H4P 2B5 USA

(Also - Please direct schools to use this address above to send any cheques or pledge sheets for the Terry Fox Foundation)

Thank you for continuing to uphold Terry's enduring legacy and inspire future generations in the fight against cancer! We hope you have a terrific Terry Fox School Run!

Your support will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families today and in the future! Thank you!

Lyne Benoit

Director, Community & School Runs, Quebec

lyne.benoit@terryfox.org

1-888-836-9786

The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA Introduces NHL STREET: Montreal’s Thrilling New Ball Hockey League!

Get ready, Montreal! The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is excited to unveil an electrifying array of sports leagues and activities that promise to ignite a passion for fitness, fun, and together-ness. Known for setting the gold standard in youth and adult programs, the Y is taking it up a notch this season by introducing NHL STREET™, the NHL’s official youth ball hockey league, to our already stellar lineup.

At the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, we believe in more than just physical activity—we believe in building strong, inclusive communities. Whether it's through our Wolves basketball program, the renowned George and Eleanor Reinitz Wrestling Centre, our diverse range of recreation and sports activities, or our world-class fitness facilities, there’s something for everyone. Our commitment to inclusivity shines through in specialized programs designed for individuals with diverse neurological and physi-cal abilities, ensuring every member of our community has a place to thrive.

"We’re incredibly proud to offer such a wide variety of programs that embody the spirit of health, wellness, and community," said Jeff Bicher, CEO of the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA. "Our goal is to cre-ate a welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect, celebrate, learn, and grow together. From our Parent and Tot programs to our active teens and adults, we have something for everyone to enjoy."

NHL STREET™: The Ultimate Youth Ball Hockey Experience

Program Dates: September 8 - December 22

Registration: https://ymywha.com/nhl-street/ 

The highlight of our season is NHL STREET™, a dynamic, street-style hockey league bringing the thrill of the NHL to Montreal’s youth. Open to boys and girls aged 8 – 14, NHL STREET™ offers an inclu-sive and exciting environment where kids can experience the pure joy of hockey—no skates required! This league is all about the core values of youth sports: having fun, staying active, making friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. With the NHL’s expertise backing the program, partic-ipants are in for an unparalleled experience.

Wolves Basketball: Where Talent Meets Community

Program Dates: September 2024 - March 2025

Tryouts start August 25: https://ymywha.com/wolves-basketball/

Our Wolves Basketball program is not just about playing the game; it’s about excelling in it. Designed for young athletes eager to take their skills to the next level, Wolves Basketball offers a top-tier train-ing environment that nurtures talent, discipline, and a deep love for the sport. This is where future stars are born, and lifelong bonds are formed.

George and Eleanor Reinitz Wrestling Centre: A Powerhouse of Champions

Program Dates: September 8 - December 22, 2024

Registration and information: https://ymywha.com/reinitz/

The George and Eleanor Reinitz Wrestling Centre at the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is a cornerstone of excellence, known for producing some of Canada’s top wrestling talent. Serving as the premier train-ing hub for both elite and recreational wrestlers, the Centre boasts an impressive 78% win rate and has made a significant mark on the international stage. In 2022 alone, wrestlers from the Centre brought home 153 medals, and this year, Alex Moore and Linda Morais, along with coach David Zil-berman, proudly represented Canada at the Paris Olympics!

World-Class Fitness at Your Fingertips

The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is more than just a gym—it’s a fitness haven. Our 13,500-square-foot facility includes a cutting-edge fitness center, a 100-meter running track, state-of-the-art studios, and a 25 metre, 8 lane swimming pool. With unlimited weekly group fitness classes included in membership, plus personal and group training options, there’s no limit to what you can achieve here. Come for a tour, try a complimentary day pass, and experience the Y difference.

Membership: Unlock Exclusive Perks

Membership information: https://ymywha.com/membership-form/

Becoming a member of the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA means gaining access to a wealth of exclusive benefits. Enjoy early registration and discounted rates on our programs, full access to our fitness and aquatic centers, and more. Members can also take advantage of unlimited group fitness classes, affordable indoor parking, and special perks through our Y Health Club, including sauna access, complimentary towels and robes, and a serene relaxation lounge.

Join us today and be part of something truly special. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, learn some-thing new, or just have fun, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA has it all. Take a moment to check out our recreation guide https://ymywha.com/recreation-guide/. Let’s make this season unforgettable—together!

A Rich Legacy of Community Engagement 

The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is a not-for-profit organization that plays a prominent role in the life of the Jewish community in Montreal, upholding a long rich history of Jewish values and traditions for more than 110 years. The Y provides a welcoming, pluralistic Jewish environment where the Montreal community can access a range of exceptional programs and incomparable services for the body, mind, and soul. In alignment with our mission, vision, and values, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is committed to the fundamental principles of personal freedom, equal opportunity, and human dignity. We invite and engage all those who wish to participate, including but not limited to, people of any race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and family structure. 

A Transformative Jewish Journey for Children in Grades 1 to 6: Montreal's Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA Re-Launches Ivri Anochi:

The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is thrilled to announce the re-launch of Ivri Anochi, an immersive Jewish journey tailored specifically for children in Grades 1 to 6 who do not attend Jewish day school. This unique program, set to run on Wednesdays from September 11, 2024, to June 11, 2025, offers an unparalleled opportunity for young Jewish children to deepen their connection to their heritage in a dynamic and engaging environment. EMSB students are welcome to register.

 Ivri Anochi is designed as an interactive and experiential journey, providing participants with the tools to foster a deep sense of Jewish identity. Click here for more information.

Children will:

• Nurture a connection to the Montreal Jewish community and Israel: strengthening their ties to their heritage and building a sense of belonging.

• Deepen understanding of Jewish values, tradition, and culture: through hands-on, engaging activities that make learning fun.

• Develop basic comfort with the Hebrew language: gaining foundational language skills in a supportive setting.

• Form lasting friendships with other Jewish children: creating bonds that can last a lifetime.

Program Highlights

• Students are divided into two age groups. While one group engages in hands-on Jewish expe-riences, the other enjoys our gorgeous pool. The groups then switch, ensuring everyone partic-ipates in both activities.

• By 5:30 PM, when parents arrive for pick-up, all participants will have engaged in fun Jewish activities, exercised, played with Jewish friends, and bonded with awesome role models.

Why Choose Ivri Anochi?

• Complimentary monitored transportation: provided from certain schools depending on need.

• Flexible enrollment options: Ivri Anochi runs for 30 weeks during the school year. Families can receive a 10% discount by registering for the full year upfront or opt to enroll in each 10-week block separately.

Our program animators, who are carefully selected young adults, serve as inspiring Jewish role mod-els, bringing immense value to the experience. Their passion and dedication ensure that each child feels supported and encouraged on their Jewish journey.

Meet Shira, a Jewish Educator for Ivri Anochi 

Growing up in Vancouver’s Jewish community, Shira was deeply involved in Jewish school and summer camp. After moving to Montreal, she continued her engagement by teaching Torah school during university and working at the Y post-graduation in both the Jewish Life and fitness depart-ments. As a Jewish educator for Ivri Anochi, Shira is excited to inspire and learn from the next gener-ation of Jewish youth, bringing innovative and dynamic approaches to shared traditions.

Ivri Anochi is a no-brainer! Give your child the gift of an enriching Jewish experience they will cherish. Sign up today!

A Rich Legacy of Community Engagement 

The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is a not-for-profit organization that plays a prominent role in the life of the Jewish community in Montreal, upholding a long rich history of Jewish values and traditions for more than 110 years. The Y provides a welcoming, pluralistic Jewish environment where the Montreal community can access a range of exceptional programs and incomparable services for the body, mind, and soul. In alignment with our mission, vision, and values, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is committed to the fundamental principles of personal freedom, equal opportunity, and human dig-nity. We invite and engage all those who wish to participate, including but not limited to, people of any race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and family structure. 

For more information or to inquire about transportation options from your child’s school, please con-tact Keren Ludvig, Chief Program and Community Engagement Officer at kludvig@ymywha.com or 514-737-6551 ext.215. 

 

Celebrating a Lifetime of Dedication: Alexandra Zorbas and Her Legacy at Westmount Park Elementary

By Rachel Campbell

Student Intern, Marketing

In the heart of our community lies a beacon of dedication and passion, Alexandra Zorbas, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Westmount Park Elementary School. Her journey with the school is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and her deep-rooted connection to this school, spanning over 50 years.

Ms. Zorbas's relationship with Westmount Park Elementary began in kindergarten, with her siblings also attending the school. After graduating from here and Westmount High School, she pursued a Bachelor of Education at Concordia University. Returning to Westmount Park Elementary as a student teacher for two stages during her program solidified her bond with the school.

Ms. Zorbas and some of her students.

In late August 1990, just after graduating, Ms.  Zorbas received a call from the principal, Paul Saunders, offering her a   position to replace a teacher on maternity leave. This marked the beginning of her over 30-year uninterrupted career at Westmount Park.

Reflecting on her student days, Ms. Zorbas fondly remembers lunchtime home visits and watching "The Flintstones" before racing back to school. Influential teachers like Carolyn Singman inspired her to become a teacher. She returned to Westmount Park for her teaching stages, drawn to the school's diversity and the challenges of an inner-city environment, feeling a strong desire to make a difference in students' lives.

One memorable teaching stage experience involved a lesson with Grade 5 students using hammers, which taught her the importance of respecting cooperating teachers' boundaries. Ms.  Zorbas's teaching approach has been greatly influenced by her own teachers' dedication and care, and she finds great fulfillment in her career, especially in teaching multiple generations of families.

Among her proudest achievements was an exchange program with a Russian school in the early 1990s, allowing Grade 5 and 6 students to visit Moscow shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This cultural exchange was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that brought two different worlds together.

Ms.  Zorbas attributes much of her personal and professional growth to Westmount Park Elementary School, valuing the numerous workshops and professional development opportunities she has participated in over the years. She cherishes the friendships and professional relationships formed through her connection to the school.

Over the years, Westmount Park Elementary has seen many changes, yet some things remain constant. The school still looks much the same from the outside, though it has been significantly renovated inside. The school has transitioned from the Protestant School Board to the EMSB, and its population has fluctuated, but it remains a Core English school. Ms.  Zorbas is proud of the school's enduring strength and its ability to adapt and thrive.

As Ms. Zorbas continues her remarkable career, the Westmount Park Elementary community celebrates her contributions and the legacy she has built. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can have on a community. Miss Zorbas is not just a teacher; she is a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.

TRANSCO BUS STRIKE UPDATE -AUTOBUS TRANSCO

If your child does not take the school bus OR if your child takes an adapted or  another transportation vehicle provided by Transco (#900 – 984), Séguibus inc, Autobus Beaconsfield or Taxi Leblanc, this message is NOT for you. 

We wish  to inform you that the Transco Bus Company and its Drivers still have not reached an agreement.  

Please note that the strike may cause an increase in traffic circulation around the school. We ask that you please be extra vigilant and safety-conscious in the school zone when dropping-off or picking-up your child(ren). 

Your cooperation during this time is much appreciated.  If you have any questions, please contact the administration of your child’s school. 

Yours truly, 

Transportation Division 

English Montral School Board