VERDUN SCHOOL NEWS

New governing boards were elected last week at both Verdun Elementary and Beurling Academy and there was some continuity and some new faces which was the intent of the Quebec Government when this system was introduced over 10 years ago.

Before going to meet the teachers on these evenings, parents were asked to elect the parent-members for the new school year. Other stakeholders on this committee such as teachers, support staff, and students in the case of high schools, elect their members at their own meetings.

At Verdun Elementary, all parents were acclaimed, and they are: Melanie Doherty, David Gammie, Karen Flowers, and the veteran Lynn Pidlisny. They join returnees, Kelly Collette, Rene Letendre, and Nancy Duggan, in their last year of their mandates. The first GB meeting will be this Wednesday at 6:30 with a new Chair to be elected.

At Beurling Academy, 7 parents were nominated, thus elections were needed. Joining returnees Ron Williams, Mike Jackson, Lynn Pidlisny, and Sharma Chapman, are veterans Marion Sexton, Anna Sgro-Gaultieri, and newcomers Janet Holmes and Sandra Parker. Their first GB meeting will be this Tuesday at 7 at the school; where a Chair will also be elected. All GB meetings are public.

Halleluiah!! During the last meeting of the current council this past Monday, the Commissioners voted in favor of a resolution to replace the original 1961 windows of the Beurling Academy building at an estimated cost of slightly over a million dollars. Architects are to be hired so the tenders could go out in mid-winter so work can start on time at the end of next June. This is still subject, though, to the approval of the Education Ministry for special measures funding.

All this after lots of lobbying of current commissioner Doug Flook, and a couple of articles in this column in the recent past surely brought the matter out in the open. Now let’s go for a new driveway and yard in the back of the building as they are in a sorry shape, although there was a recent patch job in the worst areas.

From teacher Isabelle Alarie, we get the good news about last Saturday’s car wash. The grade 11 leadership students cleaned a lot of cars and brought a whopping $776.00 which goes to grad activities. We’ve been asked to thank teachers Ian Alexander, Tania Magotiaux, Maggie Panko and parent Mr. Roberts for their supervision, and also a special thanks to the Petro-Canada owner Mr. Abassi and his manger Linda.

Miss Alarie also informs us that the First Annual Pep Rally is slated for this Wednesday in the afternoon, where the whole student body will gather outside to cheer up the New Year and the school’s sports teams will be introduced and the school mascot is also scheduled to appear and parents can attend if they want.

Sports Update. Two of the soccer teams are in great shape this year. The juvenile girls remain undefeated after 4 starts with a tie in their game; the bantams lost their first game of the season last Tuesday in Laval after going undefeated in the first 4.The boys midget team won their first game last Monday 2-1 over Kuper and are at 1-1.

The girls juvenile softball team lost last Tuesday and were also in action this past Friday at Therrien Park. Volleyball started this past week with the juvenile girls team in action this past Wednesday at Billings High. The midget girls team start their season this Tuesday at BA hosting this tournament at 3:45 so come and show your support.

Lots of stuff going on here. Home and School will be holding their first meeting this Tuesday evening at 6 in the gym with a ‘meet and greet” for anybody would like to know about this worthy school body, and you do not have to be a parent to be a member. Refreshments, such as sandwiches, will be served. Following this, will be the first regular meeting at 7 p.m.

The chocolate drive is in full swing with all sorts of great varieties such as, caramels, mints, and those popular almond bars for 3.00 a pop. You can pick them up at the office during regular hours and the campaign ends on October 15th. Nothing like a nice light snack with a hot cup of coffee at the office or at the library, right Miss Jennifer?

Finally, librarian Jennifer Holmes informs that the first adult book exchange on Wednesday October 10th at 7 p.m. They will be held every 2 months instead this year. This is a great chance to exchange books that you’ve already read and willing to trade in for another. That’s Wednesday, October 10th. HAVE AGREAT WEEK.