IT STARTS in the Schools

May 2010

UPCOMING EVENTS

Month of May TCDSB 416-222-8282 ext. 5314

Asian Canadian Heritage Month

May 3 Catholic Education Centre

80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 5314

TCDSB Awards Night Presentation of awards in recognition of outstanding achievement 7:00 p.m.

May 3 Catholic Education Centre

80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 5314

Intermediate W5H 7:00 p.m.

May 3 TCDSB

416-222-8282 ext. 2543 Music Monday 6th annual national celebration of music education. 2000 schools across Canada will unite in song to perform the theme song for Music Monday, "Sing Sing" at 1:00 p.m. "Sing Sing" was written by Juno award-winning artist, Serena Ryder.

May 3 Monsignor John Corrigan Catholic

School 100 Royalcrest Rd., Etobicoke 416-393-5399

Music Monday Students will be singing in front of school 1:00 p.m.

May 3 St. Lawrence Catholic School

2216 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough 416-393-5264

St. Lawrence Feast Day York University students will run activities for all grades throughout the day including a picnic lunch followed by Music Monday activities in the school yard. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

May 3 to 7 TCDSB

416-222-8282 ext. 5314 Catholic Education Week Schools will be holding events to commemorate the week with a focus on the theme of Rejoicing in Hope

May 3 to 7 Bridlewood Centre Shopping Mall

2900 Warden Ave., Toronto 416-393-5372

TCDSB Bridlewood Centre-Festival of the Arts Students will be performing during the lunch hour in the Centre Court beginning at 11:45 a.m.

May 3 to 7 Woodbine Centre Shopping Mall 500 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke 416-393-5363

TCDSB Bridlewood Centre-Festival of the Arts Students will be performing during the lunch hour in the Centre Court beginning at 11:30 a.m. and evenings beginning at 7:00 p.m.

May 4 St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic

School 2350 McCowan Rd., Scarborough 416-393-5365

Asian Cultural Fair Displays, demonstrations, performances and activities that highlight different aspects of various Asian cultures 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

May 4 Holy Rosary Catholic School

308 Tweedsmuir Ave., York 416-393-5225

K-8 Gallery Walk Art Display of an Art concept through each grade level in the style of Piet Mondrian

May 4 St. Bruno Catholic School

402 Melita Cres., Toronto 416-393-5376

Literacy and the Arts 7:00 p.m.

May 4 St. Mary of the Angels Catholic

School 1477 Dufferin St., Toronto 416-393-5228

Little Red Theatre “The Name of the Tree” JK-3 – Gymnasium 1:30 p.m.

May 4 St. Mary of the Angels Catholic

School 1477 Dufferin St., Toronto 416-393-5228

Music Festival Gymnasium Gymnasium 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

May 4 St. Maurice Catholic School

45 Kingsview Blvd., Etobicoke 416-393-5379

Career Day Guest presenters have been invited to speak about their profession/career to students 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

May 4 St. Maria Goretti Catholic School

21 Kenmark Blvd., Scarborough 416-393-5260

Annual Young Authors Day One student from each class will be recognized as the Young Author of the day. These students will be rewarded with lunch in the presence of Silver Birch Award Winning Author, Helaine Becker. All students will share their best pieces of writing with other classes in the school that day.

May 4, 5, 7 St. Elizabeth Catholic School

5 Redcar Ave., Etobicoke 416-393-5278

Performance of "Readin', Ritin', Rockin’” The whole school will be singing and rocking to the play. May 4: 10 a.m., May 5: 10 a.m. /7 p.m., and May 7: 1 p.m.

May 5 Earl Bales Park

Bathurst and Sheppard, North York 416-222-8282, ext. 2150

Elementary Cross-Country City Championship 10 a.m. The Special Olympics Race will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m.

May 5 Venerable John Merlini

123 Whitfield Ave, North York 416-393-5397

Volunteer Appreciation Tea 1:30 p.m.

May 5 Sts. Cosmas and Damian Catholic School 111 Danesbury Ave., North York 416-393-5398

A Cultural Mosaic Come and travel the world, one country at a time as presented by each classroom with a variety of displays, demonstrations or presentations. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

May 5 Santa Maria Catholic School

25 Avon Ave., York 416-393-5368

Multi-Cultural Night 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

May 5 St. Martha Catholic School

1865 Sheppard Ave. W., North York 416-393-5344

Grandparents Day Celebrations 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in school gym. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Grandparents will be invited to watch their grandchildren in a display of ballroom dancing.

May 5 St. Thomas More Catholic School

2300 Ellesmere Rd., Scarborough 416-393-5322

Spring Concert Students in grades 4-8 perform, I need a Vacation and intermediate school band will perform Matinee performance at 1:00 p.m. or the evening performance at 7:00 p.m.

May 6 St. Bede Catholic School

521 Sewells Rd., Scarborough 416-393-5425

Spring Concert 7:00 PM

May 6 St. Paschal Baylon Catholic School

15 St. Paschal Crt., North York 416-393-5283

Multicultural Heritage Open House 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

May 6 St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic

School 75 Alexmuir Blvd., Scarborough 416-393-5381

Parenting & Family Literacy Centre Parent Workshop 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

May 6 Venerable John Merlini Catholic

School 2889 Islington Ave., North York 416-393-5397

Ballroom Dancing Performance Located at St. Roch’s Parish Hall Grades 4 to 8 - 7:00 p.m.

May 6 St. Paschal Baylon Catholic School

15 St. Paschal Crt., North York 416-393-5283

Asian/Multicultural Display and Community Night 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Classroom exhibits 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Community Night

May 6 St. Gabriel Lalement

160 Crow Trail, Scarborough 416-393-5377

Family BBQ, Poetry cafe and Open House 5:00-8:00 pm

May 6 Monsignor John Corrigan Catholic

School 100 Royalcrest Rd., Etobicoke 416-393-5399

Career Day 12 speakers will be discussing their professions with stduents

May 6 Monsignor John Corrigan Catholic School 100 Royalcrest Rd., Etobicoke 416-393-5399

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

May 7 St. Bede Catholic School

521 Sewells Rd., Scarborough 416-393-5425

Meaghan's Walk Community school hug and prayer for those that have past away and for those in our community that need our prayers of healing

May 7 St. Raphael Catholic School

3 Gade Dr., North York, 416-393-5285

Mother's Day Tea (Kindergartens) 10:30 & 1:30 pm

May 7 Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic

Secondary School 40 Sewells Rd., Scarborough 416-393-5538

International Night 2010 Multicultural dinner, activities & performances Adults: $8 Children under 10: $3 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

May 8 St. John Catholic School

780 Kingston Rd., Toronto 416-393-5220

100th Anniversary Celebration Mass at St. John’s Church – 1:00 p.m. Open House at St. John’s – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

May 9 to 12

TCDSB 416-222-8282 ext. 5314

Respect for Life Week Respect for life Week is an annual opportunity that TCDSB embraces to celebrate our recognition of the profoundly sacred nature of life

May 11 St. Michael’s College – University

of Toronto 81 St. Mary St., Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 2169

Respect for Life Week Student Leadership Conference Student attendees will have the opportunity to explore beginning and end of life issues

May 11 St. Francis de Sales Catholic School

333 Firgrove Cres., North York 416-393-5366

Walk-a-thon Entire school community raising awareness and funds for the "Together for Autism" campaign. 10:15 a.m.

May 12 St. Martha Catholic School

1865 Sheppard Ave. W., North York 416-393-5344

Spring Concert Grades 4 to 8 present a Tribute to Ballroom Dancing with types of dance including: Meringue, Salsa, Bachata, Swing, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Waltz, Foxtrot or the Tango. 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

May 12 Nativity of Our Lord Catholic

School 35 Saffron Cres., Etobicoke 416-393-5288

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon 12:00 p.m.

May 13 Central Technical School

725 Bathurst St., Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 2224

Asian Heritage Month Elementary Student Celebration 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

May 13 Spirale Banquet Hall 888 Don Mills Rd., Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 2157

TCSAA Annual Recognition Dinner Toronto Catholic Schools Athletic Association recognize and honour the many coaches who volunteer their time 5:00 p.m.

May 13 St. Jane Frances Catholic School

2745 Jane St., North York 416-393-5296

Spring Fling students from JK - Gr. 6 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

May 13, 14, 15, 19

Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School 28 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr., Etobicoke 416-393-5540

Beauty and the Beast Adults $12 Students $10 All performances at 7:30 p.m.

May 15 St. Barnabas Catholic School

30 Washburn Way, Scarborough 416-393-5351

Sports Day and Cultural Celebration for the Malayalam community, in partnership with TCDSB International Languages Department 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

May 17 St. Pius X Catholic School

71 Jane St., Toronto 416-393-5237

Great Scissor Event - Cut for a Cure Stylists from Rejuvenate Salon will cut the hair of student/staff volunteers. Hair will be generously donated to Angel Hair for Kids 1:30 p.m.

May 18 OISE/University of Toronto

252 Bloor St. W., 5th Floor, Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 2224

Educator and Student Leadership Symposium Students and educators can participate in hands-on workshops on topics inspired by Asian-Canadian Heritage Month 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

May 19 OISE/University of Toronto

252 Bloor St. W., 5th Floor, Toronto 416-222-8282 ext. 2224

Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable “Asian-Canadian Collaboration in Education: Pathways of Enrichment”. Lecture celebrates 40 Years of Canada-China Diplomatic Relations. 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

May 19 to 29 Catholic Education Centre

80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto 416-397-6536

The GOOD Project photo-documentation created by TCDSB students from the TIPSS Program

May 20 Our Lady of Victory Catholic

School 70 Guestville Ave., York 416-393-5247

Multicultural Night tasting of a variety of multi-cultural foods and various entertainment events 6:00 p.m.

May 21 Holy Rosary Catholic School

308 Tweedsmuir Ave., York 416-393-5225

Spring Playday and Hotdog BBQ All day

May 26 St. Helen Catholic School 1196 College St., Toronto 416-393-5208

Off to a Great Start: Building Blocks to School Success Parenting and Family Literacy Centre in cooperation with the Early Years Centre is hosting a three part series preparing children age 3 - 5 years for school.

May 29 The Divine Infant Catholic School

30 Ingleton Blvd., Scarborough 416-393-5414

Annual Garage Sale 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

May 29 St. Maria Goretti Catholic School

21 Kenmark Blvd., Scarborough 416-393-5260

Parent Display/Exhibit/Cultural Celebrations for the Tamil community in partnership with TCDSB International Languages Department

9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. May 29 St. Ambrose Catholic School

20 Coules Crt., Etobicoke 416-393-5259

CSAC Fun Fair 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

May 29 St. Boniface Catholic School

20 Markanna Dr., Scarborough 416-393-5277

50th Anniversary Celebration Mass at St. Boniface Church – 11:00 a.m. Reception at St. Boniface - 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS 400 years of the founding of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Loretto Sisters On March 8th, 2010, Loretto College School was proud to continue the celebration of 400 years of the founding of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Loretto Sisters. To celebrate this milestone in the history of the Loretto Sisters, the staff and students of Loretto College were joined by some of the Loretto Sisters, His Grace Archbishop Thomas Collins, Associate Director of Education Angela Gautier, Superintendent Dr. Saraco, former principals and vice-principals of Loretto College, student representatives from the other sister schools (Loretto Abbey, Mary Ward, Blessed Mother Teresa) and some future grade eight students from St. Clare Catholic School. The day began with an assembly in the school gym with some words from Sr. Evanne Hunter, the IBVM Canadian Provincial Superior. Attendees then participated in a live video conference with another Loretto school, Loreto Abbey Dalkey in Ireland. This was followed by a procession to St. Clare Catholic Church, where everyone celebrated mass with His Grace, Archbishop Thomas Collins. Part of the mass included a blessing of special crosses and a commissioning of students from the 4 Loretto Schools who were embarking on a trip to the United Nations in New York to see the role of the Loretto Sisters there. In the afternoon, the students and guests attended student led seminars on the United Nations Millennium Goals, listened to one of their very own teachers, Mary Denisco who is celebrating her 25th anniversary at Loretto, visited historical displays, attended presentations on other Loretto schools around the world, and participated in some fun carnival games. The day was a great success, thanks to the hard work of the Loretto Staff and the participation of the students and invited guests.

TCDSB Receives Community Conservation Award from Toronto Hydro

Peter Sissaris (far right) from Toronto Hydro, presented the Community Conservation Award to: Ministry Supervisor Dr. Richard Alway, TCDSB Chair Angela Kennedy and Director of Education Ann Perron, in recognition of the board's commitment to energy efficiency. Through a partnership between Toronto Hydro and TCDSB, 62 portables were refurbished with energy efficient lighting, and 10 schools had exit lights replaced with LED lights, saving the board more than $7,000 in energy costs. Loretto College School Gives Peace a Dance Loretto College hosted the 5th Annual Give Peace a Dance campaign against school violence in and around school communities on March 11, 2010. It was another successful night of music, beat boxing, spoken word and dance. Loretto College’s Empowered Student Partnership (E.S.P) committee with the support of 13th division officers Tony Santeramo and Franco Zaffino organized another Give Peace a Dance. The purpose of this event was to continue raising awareness on violence that can happen in and around our school communities such as bullying, cyber-bullying, physical violence and more. Tickets for the event were $10.00 and some of the proceeds went to LOVE – Leave Out Violence and the Remix Project. Both of these programs work with At-Risk Youth through arts and media. Hockey Victory Congratulations to the St. Basil-the-Great College School girls' ice hockey team for winning first place at the OFSAA championship game in Ottawa on March 25th.

Dancing their Way to the Top On March 29th, the grade 6 ballroom dancers from St. Fidelis Catholic School competed in Join the Dance Canada's semi-finals at Rockford Public School. A total of 25 school’s participated in this competition and 8 schools went to the quarterfinals on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the Palais Royale. St. Fidelis was chosen as one of the eight finalists. The students did extremely well at Palais Royale and received a gold medal for their performances. They have advanced to the semi-finals this June. The six couples include:Allyson G. and Cyril P. dancing the Merengue Kelly G. and Isaac C. dancing the Tango Lily L. and Jesse P. dancing the Fox Trot Julia B. and Michael P. dancing the Swing Alessia R. and Joshua T. dancing the Rumba Aurora C. and Luca C. - Team Captains

Proud Winner of the Mathieu Da Costa Choice Award Christine N., a Grade 6 student at St. Roch Catholic School won the Mathieu Da Costa Public Choice Award. Christine is a student in the Gifted Program and received over 700 votes from friends and supporters to take the first place in the writing contest. Christine received a three day trip to Ottawa and will be reading her poem entitled My Mother’s New Life. She will be reading her poem to the school to kick off Asian-Canadian Heritage month as the poem is about a mother’s new life escaping Vietnam to live in Canada. Stop Bullying – Pink Shirt Day Throughout the month of March, the community of Venerable John Merlini Catholic School worked diligently in creating a proactive dialogue about the various types of bullying that exists in schools today. From JK to Grade 8, students had the opportunity to have The Power of One presentation come to the school where the presenters, through small skits and student involved role plays demonstrated what bullying is all about. Each class was presented with the challenge of creating a bullying pledge. As a culminating school activity, on April 14th, the school community was called to come together and show their pledge to stop bullying by participating in Canada’s third annual Pink Shirt Day. This cause began in Nova Scotia by two Grade 12 high school students in 2007 and has now developed into a nation wide effort. Venerable John Merlini staff and students wore their pink shirts and demonstrated the school spirit that exists at their school.

Diversity Binding Canada Together The annual Human Rights and Race Relations essay competition took place in May and the theme this year was Diversity that Binds Canada Together. This year’s award recipients from TCDSB included: first prize winners from Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Andrea C. and Tyrone H. and Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School student Shahad S; second prize winners, Truman K. of St. Michael's Choir School and Katryna L. of Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School; and second prize winners in the junior category, Justin A. of Holy Spirit Catholic School and Kayla V. of Our Lady Guadalupe Catholic School. A cash prize and gold medal distribution ceremony was held by the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre to honour students and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of racial harmony, and combating racism. Cardinal Newman also won the TCDSB Director's Challenge Trophy this year, for submitting the largest number of entries to the contest, which was awarded to Cardinal Newman Principal, Ms. Joan Tschernow.

Tyrone, Principal Ms. Tschernow and Andrea of Cardinal Newman Catholic School at the

Human Rights and Race Relations essay competition Greening the Schoolyard Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School EcoSchool Greening team were awarded a $1,000 Green Apple Grant from Metro Supermarkets for their schoolyard greening proposal. The money will go a long way towards improving the shade in the schoolyard and providing seating for students to find a quiet place to rest during recess or for teachers who wish to conduct an outdoor nature or art class on a hot summer day.

Principal, Mrs. Maggiacomo and Teacher, Ms. Maguire-Sleath accepting grant from Metro Store Manager

Celebrating Earth Day with St. Monica The Minister of Education, Leona Dombrowski and the Minister of the Environment, John Gerretsen, visited St. Monica Catholic School during Earth Week. Both Minister Dombrowski and Minister Gerretsen spoke to the students about the importance of protecting our environment and the students were congratulated for their EcoSchool initiatives and presented with a certificate.

The school choir performed for the Ministers and the students put on a creative fashion show using recyclable products, designed by students. They presented the Minister of Education with a small purse made from newspapers, a CD and various other clever objects such as pop tabs and the Minister of the Environment received a reusable beverage mug with the school's name on it.

Student Photographers Our City Our Stories was a photography project launched last year by the City of Toronto sponsored by Canon Canada. Workshops led by professional photographers were held at diverse locations such as community centers and libraries. Monsignor Percy Johnson was one of two schools in Toronto selected to take part in this initiative. Students hosted two sets of workshops last spring's semester and eight workshops in last fall's semester. The work of all students was exhibited at City Hall. Student, Gabriella’s photographic abilities earned her a place as a top ten finalist.

Mayor David Miller, Mapela Uhindu-Gingala, Gabriella Abis, and Jenny W. in City Hall with their photo exhibits

Celebrating Multi-Culturalism at Don Bosco On March 26th, about 230 families and friends of the Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School community enjoyed an evening of various performances as well as food from around the world. This memorable event was initiated by Don Bosco's grade 12 Religion class to raise awareness and funds for St. Gaspar Catholic Elementary School in Tanzania, East Africa to provide education for many boys and especially girls whose families cannot afford to put them through the education system. Funds were also raised to send 20 Don Bosco junior leaders to a leadership camp at the end of April. Many Don Bosco students performed with sounds and dances from India, Jamaica and Ghana Irish School of Dance and Dance Live Music Studio, as well as a performance from the band, Reverse. The students excelled in presenting their cultural cooking talents from various countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malta, El Salvador, Bolivia, Argentina, Poland, Philippines, Malaysia, Ghana, Italy, Jamaica, Egypt, Iraq and Portugal.

St. James student heads to Queen’s Park Tristen, grade 7 student from St. James Catholic School has been selected to serve as a Legislative Page at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto. He was chosen as one of 20 students from across the province. He will serve on the floor as a legislative messenger at the Legislative Assembly, meet key parliamentary figures and learn about Ontario’s parliamentary system.

Tristen earned this spot in the programme by submitting an application that included an essay, in which he outlined his achievement, involvement and his suitability for the programme. He also had to show an interest in current affairs, have an 80% or higher average and get along with peers and adults.

Tristen’s assignments will include an 8:00am until 4.30 or 6:00 pm workday. He will learn how the province is governed, how laws are made and how they assist in this process. He will also be required to memorize the Chamber seating plan (107 MPPs), become familiar with the day to day activities of the legislature and know the functions of key legislative personnel (e.g. the Speaker) He will also be required to spend 2-3 hours weekly on math assignments and materials assigned from the school. Language arts will be integrated in the page programme—including reading, writing and oral communication components.

9th Annual International Languages Symposium On Saturday, April 17th, the Continuing Education Department in partnership with the Race and Ethnic Relation Committee presented the ninth International Languages Symposium at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School. Over 900 students from across the Toronto Catholic District School Board gathered to celebrate the theme of “Language, Culture and Learning”. The goal of the Symposium is to break down barriers by developing greater understanding and create cultural harmony. We come together as a Catholic community to recognize student excellence and leadership. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge the partnerships that exist between cultural groups and the TCDSB. The Symposium showcased the various cultures represented by TCDSB’s Saturday International Languages Programs offered through the Continuing Education Department. Among the special guests who attended were: keynote speaker Ms. Jemy Joseph, Francis Liebermann graduate and U of T Medical Science Student; Ms. Angela Kennedy, Chair of the Board; Ms. Angela Gauthier, Associate Director of Education; M. Josie Di Giovanni, Superintendent of Education; Ms. Loretta Notten, Superintendent of Education; Mr. Alex Mazzucco, Coordinator, Continuing Education. The student Ambassador Awards were given to a senior student from each of the sites where the International Language is taught. This award went to the student who best represented his/her community with excellent marks and showed leadership in their respective community. Congratulations to the thirty-seven winners.

Urban Grant Making Colourful things Happen Orange, Green, Blue and Gold…Ninety students at Monsignor Fraser College, Norfinch campus discovered their true colours through a two hour Personality Dimensions workshop. This opportunity was made possible by the Urban High School Priority Grant guided by the very colourful and trained teacher facilitators Anna Maria Rotatore and Silvana Carosi. Students were engaged and energized through ice breakers, team building and hands-on activities. They laughed, shared stories and built their ideal school according to their colour learning preference. This enabled participating students and staff to realize how students learn through the different modalities, embracing and partnering with Differentiated Instruction.

National Society of Black Engineer Descended on Toronto for Its 36th Annual Convention From March 31st - April 4th, The National Society of Black Engineer (NSBE) held its annual convention at the Toronto Convention Centre. The purpose of the convention was to showcase the field of engineering and encourage students to enter the field. Cardinal Newman Catholic School participated by sending twenty students, one teacher, Victor Hylton and a youth worker, Sandra John. Former principal Russ Coleman and current principal Joan Tschernow were also in attendance for the VIP sessions. There were 9,000 people in attendance. The attendees were comprised of a cross section of C.E.O.s, engineers, students, teachers and parents. The event featured such highlights as seminars, workshops career and graduate schools fair, general assemblies and competitions that allowed students to demonstrate their skills and talents in math, science and engineering. The workshops and keynote speakers zeroed in on this year’s theme, “Engineering, A Global Impact”. Students were challenged, inspired and encouraged to think seriously of the field of engineering and include it in their list of possible careers.

Cardinal Newman Students, Carmen F., Leigh S., Cylita G. and Antonio C. placed 6th in the Try-Math-A-Lon.

BAMUN: Bishop Allen Model United Nations Bishop Allen Academy students hosted their third annual Bishop Allen Model United Nations assembly (BAMUN) at Metro Hall on Friday, April 16th. 140 students from 16 schools across the GTA attended the event. The Bishop Allen team organized simulations of three assemblies. For the novice debaters, they re-created SOCHUM to deal with social, cultural and humanitarian issues of peoples

around the world. In the OAS committee, 21 students representing delegates from the western hemisphere dealt with resolving issues relating to the Organization of American States. In the League of Nations, veteran debaters from across the GTA honed their skills as they represented delegates attempting to solve the historical crisis in 1938. With the banging of Kelden’s gavel, the three assemblies broke out into hours of intellectual debate about how to tackle the world’s issues, old and new. The students came out of the experience, renewed with a sense of hope in their own abilities, and with newly formed friendships across the city.

Canadian Chinese Proficiency Competition The Toronto Catholic District School Board, through the Community Relations and International Languages Departments, in partnership with the Chinese Culture and Education Society of Canada (CCES), hosted the 2nd annual Canadian Chinese Proficiency Competition for high school students on April 11th at Brebeuf College. More than 60 students representing various Public and Private School Boards within the Greater Toronto Area, had come to compete for three categories: Speech, Chinese Language and Culture and Arts. The competition aims to promote the Chinese Culture in Canada and to motivate schools to support cultural education, collect resources and conduct high level of research and teachers’ training. Guests included the Ontario Minister of Immigration, Minister Eric Hoskins, MP Bryon Wilfert, Chinese Education Consul Mr. Fang and TCDSB representatives, Carla Marchetti, Coordinator for International Languages and Jody Huang, Community Relations Officer.

“IT STARTS IN THE SCHOOLS” is published monthly throughout the school year. Events, locations and times are subject to change. For more information, call 416-222-8282 Ext. 5314. This publication can be found on the Internet at www.tcdsb.org, see “news”. The Toronto Catholic District School Board educates more than 90,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in its 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and serves 474,876 Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto.

Toronto Catholic Schools

Faith in Your Child

May 2010 Toronto Catholic District School Board, 80 Sheppard Ave. E., North York, ON M2N 6E8

phone: 416-222-8282 website: www.tcdsb.org email: webmaster@tcdsb.org