LBPSB plays Santa for Verdun and LaSalle Schools

The Lester B. Pearson School Board was in the Christmas spirit this past Monday as the Board announced their decisions on the latest round of Major School Consultations. The whole Eastern sector of Verdun and LaSalle has remained untouched.

Therefore all schools will not be going anywhere anytime soon. In the Secondary network, the message was clear that there was an increased need for more French instruction and in a uniform way across the Board.

It is the intent that by the 2011-202 school year to have all high schools implement a Cycle 1 ( Sec 1 and 2) French Immersion program (biliteracy program) with a target of 50% French, thus the English only options will be phased out.

In the elementary sector, there is no change in any of the schools in Verdun and LaSalle. The summary section of the MSC document sees also a plan to implement a literacy support program. Chairman Marcus Tabachnik told the media before the proceedings get underway that the briefs presented from the East showed the Board a need for more literacy support, which the Board has identified as so.

Therefore, through its Strategic Plan, the Board has acknowledged the need for enhanced literacy programs in the eastern sector of the board. A literacy support program will be implemented in all elementary schools in the Eastern part of the LBPSB’s territory (Orchard, Children’s World Academy, St. Lawrence Academy Jr., St. Lawrence Academy Sr., Allion, Riverview and Verdun). A literacy consultant will be housed at Orchard Elementary to support LaSalle/Verdun elementary schools, effective for the 2010-2011 school year.

Back to the secondary sector, besides the target of 50 % biliteracy program, the quantity of French in all schools will be increased outside the program of delivery using various methods including: French cultural activities, assemblies and newsletters in French, extra-curricular activities in French, etc. One example given could be debates with francophone students of neighboring French schools

Beurling Academy will also be repurposed as a shared facility with the Pearson Adult and Career Centre’s Vocational Sector as a Satellite Campus. The vast garage space in the back of the building is the proposed area to be used for trades.

The decisions taken last night do not make any mention of any magnet programs which was part of the thrust of this MSC in order to stop the departure of Grade 6 students to other areas like private schools. The Board Chairman did mentioned though in the media room in response to a question that programs like auto mechanics and plumbing maintenance, could be developed at BA as a result of PACC having a satellite campus.

There was also no mention of magnet programs at LCCHS, even though they had mentioned in the public hearings that local magnet programs are the way to go as opposed to a magnet school. This was a response to the brief of Lakeside Academy, which last night got the go-ahead to become a full IBO school.

So to all the students and parents of the Eastern Sector, sleep tight and to all a good night. To all our dear readers, wish you all a Happy New Year!