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Bob Goodwin, 
Principal
St. Charles Adult Education Centres

 


St. Charles News . . .

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Upcoming Events from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board 


January 27, 2010

St. Charles Reads (and Sings) for Family Literacy Day

"Sing for Literacy" was the theme of the 2010 "St. Charles Reads"  Family Literacy Day celebration.  This amazing event was held at the St. Charles Centre mountain location (150 East 5th) on January 27, 2010.

The musical magic came from Chad Pilon, a local musician and Educational Assistant with the board.  The crowd was impressed by his performance of the Miley Cyrus hit, the Climb, a song which mirrored the challenges faced by many the students.

"The simple acknowledgement that you need help takes a lot of courage," Chad said.

In a speech to the attendees, local MP David Christopherson added his words of encouragement, as well.

"It's a tough road to hoe when you you've dropped out of school", he added,  "It's much easier with a high school education."

"As long as you've got a book, you've got a friend beside you," he added. "A book allows you to go anywhere, anytime just by flicking a switch – that switch is reading."

The importance of literacy was also echoed in the statements of all the other invited guests. 

"Some of the most special times with my own children have been the times we read together," said Catholic School Board Chairman Pat Daly. 

Director of Education Patricia Amos added, "Reading not only helps parents bond with their children, but it helps set the stage for them to become lifelong learners."

Local author, Ardyth Brott mentioned that her best childhood recollections were reading Huckleberry Finn and other classics while camping.

"They are memories not only of Mark Twain's marvellous stories, but memories of family togetherness" she added, "'Once upon a time' are the four most important words you can tell a child."

Brott ended the afternoon with a presentation about the simple power of language and a reading of her acclaimed children's book, Jeremy's Decision.  Brott said the best teaching is done through stories.

"Words are power," she concluded. "You can make your life sing with words."

Chad Pilon is joined by LBS Supervisor Christine Hendrie (centre) and LBS students Colleen Ferguson (left) and Terry Passalacqua (right).

 

Local Author Ardyth Brott reads from her aclaimed Children's book, Jeremy's Decision.

 

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January 24, 2010

Life Changes for St. Charles PSW Grads

After graduating, the St. Charles PSW students will soon be starting a new chapter in their lives.  After months of schooling and challenging work placements, most of the grads have already been hired on to full-time positions.  They'll bring dedication, knowledge, and caring to their new posts.

Before embarking on their life-changing careers, a wonderful graduation ceremony was held on January 24, 2010. Tears, laughter, and music filled the St. Charles East 5th gym.  The grad were all beaming with pride as they received their hard-won certificates and diplomas.

"This PSW class showed great determination and a true commitment to learning", said PSW Instructor Joanne DeRubeis, "I wish them all continued success."

The PSW graduating class. Click picture to enlarge.

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December 15, 2009

Deputy Immigration Minister Visits St. Charles

Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, spent psome time on December 15th visiting ESL classrooms at the St. Charles Adult Education Centres. 

"I wanted to see an ESL classroom in action," he told the students. "Ontario has redesigned the ESL program. I wanted to make sure that it's student-focused."

The Deputy Minister saw St. Charles' student focus first hand when he stopped by Mona Baig's ESL Level 4/5 classroom. Puta-Chekwe engaged the students in a lively discussion regarding their backgrounds and former professions. 

Baig's class of 17 adult learners included a doctor from Haiti, a dentist from Brazil, a journalist/chef, a teacher/geophysicist from Iraq, a metallurgist from Russia, a professional artist, an accountant from Bogota, Columbia, and a firefighter – none of whom are currently working in their chosen field.

"In my country, I worked as an office secretary but here, I am at school to learn English," said Salma Barry. The others were also full-time students, with most planning to head to Mohawk College for further certification following their stint at St. Charles.

When asked about his own background, Puta-Chekwe responded, "I'm not as interesting as you."

Wishing the students success, he said, "It's up to each and every one of you to have faith in yourselves."

"Most of our adult learners come to us with degrees and credentials from their own countries," said Nancy DiGregorio, Superintendent of Education for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. "They are highly skilled and educated. Our task is to help them overcome barriers such as language so that they can find work in their field and begin to contribute to Ontario's economy."

"What you are doing is changing people's lives," Puta-Chekwe told the St. Charles staff at the end of his visit.

"They're changing ours as well," replied Vice-Principal, Sandi Mlekuz.

Left to right: Regional Advisor Elizabeth Duval; Superintendent of Education Nancy DiGregorio; Student Jin Fang Xu; Principal of Continuing Education Bob Goodwin; Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chisanga Puta-Chekwe; St. Charles Site Supervisor Neelam Tandon; ESL Supervisor Susan Friscolanti; and Vice-Principal of Continuing Education Sandi Mlekuz.

 

Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chisanga Puta-Chekwe visits the ESL class of Mona Baig

 

Links


December 8, 2009

St. Charles ESL Extravaganza Gets Front Page Treatment

On December 8, 2009, St. Charles held its popular annual ESL Extravaganza at the East 5th (mountain) location.  This incredible event showcases the many amazing talents of ESL and LINC students from all the St. Charles Centres.

Students, staff, media, and dignitaries were  treated to singing, dancing and fashions from around the world.  The packed house went wild for every performer. Students from different ethnic backgrounds showed solidarity with each other despite language, political, and religious differences. Canada's wonderful multi-cultural splendour was definitely on display. 

Even the instructors got into the act when they sang We Are the World to cap off this incredible celebration. 

Even the Hamilton Spectator took notice. In their December 9th edition, they included a story and a picture of the event on the front page.  There was also a beautiful picture on the third page and a photo slideshow was placed online.

 

 

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December 2009

St. Charles Barlake Help the Needy at Christmas

The St Charles Adult Education Centre at 60 Barlake Avenue is getting into the Christmas spirit in a big way. Two students in ESL instructor Breanne Mamone's class approached her to participate in Operation Christmas Child. Breanne mentioned it to the other instructors and the idea grew to the point where a total of 88 gift-filled shoe size boxes were collected. These boxes will be sent to orphanages around the world. With each gift filled box, an extra $7.00 was needed to be added for postage. 

Most of the adult students at St Charles are new Canadians and are themselves struggling to settle down in a new country, but that was not going to stop them. The students came up with the idea of selling coffee and baked goods on their breaks and they eventually collected $700.00 dollars for the postage. The love and energy that went into filling these boxes is heart warming. 

Many thanks to the St. Charles students and staff for making 88 children happy this Christmas. Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on charity that anyone can participate in. Each gift-filled shoe box is used to bless the life of a child living in a desperate situation. On Christmas Day each box will be flown to third world countries and hand delivered to needy children living in orphanages around the world. 

Operation Christmas Child began on October 10, 1990, when Dave and Jill Cooke of Wrexham, Wales watched a television broadcast about Romanian orphanages. The Cookes wanted to do something to help the children living in the orphanages and realized what they could offer was the gift of love. A convoy of nine trucks was filled with medical supplies, food, clothing, and Christmas gifts. The trucks were driven into Romania marking the small beginnings of what is now the world's largest children's Christmas program.

Staff and students of St. Charles Barlake with the boxes they'll be sending. Click picture to enlarge

 


October 22, 2009

St. Charles Graduates Explore Endless Possibilities

St. Charles Adult Education held its 26th graduating class ceremony on Thursday, October 22, 2009. This year's theme of "Endless Possibilities" highlighted the 170 graduates' struggles and achievements in a very heartfelt and moving ceremony.

Principal Bob Goodwin publicly acknowledged the collective personal growth and achievements of the graduates which was echoed by Trustee Lou Agro, Superintendent Nancy DiGregorio and Vice-Principal Sandi Mlekuz. 

Kurtis Hartog, this year's valedictorian, spoke about overcoming adversity and keeping focused on the endless possibilities that exist for all graduates. He added that, while life is full of struggles, the focus needs to be on moving forward and never giving up on oneself. 

"Remember the hard work it took to get here and all the times you fell, you got back up and brushed yourself off", he said, "Things will always be worse if you stop trying and give up."

Each year, St. Charles continues its partnership with community sponsors and the students who embark on their educational journey toward the attainment of their Ontario Secondary School Graduation diplomas. 

The revamped St Charles Adult High School was launched at the mountain site this past September, expanding on the tradition of offering a wide array of secondary school credit courses in an adult friendly environment which maximizes the skills and needs of today's adult student.

Valedictorian Kurtis Hartog, speaks to the St. Charles graduates

 

Links


June 26, 2009

Summer Food and Fun at St. Charles

The fact that many of them had to return in the summer didn't stop the staff and students from having fun.  The transition from the fall session to the summer session was met with celebration at every St. Charles school.

For example, our Barlake Ave location had a wonderful BBQ party. They pulled out all the stops: food, clowns, piñatas, and a whole lot more.

We hope everyone has a wonderful summer! 

St. Charles students fire up the grill

 

Clowning Around

 

The staff show off their cool piñata

 


June 26, 2009

St. Charles LINC Student Wins Poster Contest

Jin Fang Xu, a St. Charles LINC student at our Main Street West location, has won The 2009 TESL Ontario Poster Contest.

Her beautiful design was chosen on June 26th from 35 other entries throughout Ontario.  We are very proud of her.

Click picture to view  full size 

 

Click here to view the runners up.

 

Links


June 18, 2009

PSW Graduates Look Forward

The St. Charles PSW Graduation on June 18, 2009 gave students a chance to look back and look forward.

This special night included speeches, live music, laughter, tears, and much more.  Many spoke of the challenges faced with starting a new course and the fun they had with their fellow students and the staff at St. Charles.

"Today is our first day of being the leaders, doers, and problem solvers for people who cannot help themselves or just need a little help.", said graduate Crystal Pilon during her speech, "Those who persevere, who give it their all and approach each day with optimism will ultimately meet success and happiness." 

"With dedication, we can do anything or make any dream come true," she added, "But, as we grow older and encounter success, we must not forget those who have had it rough, whose lives may have hit some potholes on the way, and we must take care of those who need a helping hand."

PSW teacher, Joanne Derubeis echoed those sentiments in her speech to her students.

"You are leaders who can make a difference by providing excellent care that ultimately enhances a person's quality of life-that is your goal.", she said, " This will require strength, faith, and courage to meet the demands of such a challenging role. I have confidence that you will all succeed and make our school St Charles proud."

Most of these graduates have already been hired in new positions where they will use the skills learned at St. Charles.  We wish them well in their future endeavours.

Tori MacEachern speaks to her fellow PSW grads

Rena Turnbull and Crystal Pilon talk about their experiences at St. Charles

 

Links


June 17, 2009

St. Charles Students Enjoy Niagara Falls

Approximately 100 lucky ESL/LINC students from St. Charles Young Street and their instructors visited Niagara Falls on June 17, 2009. 

They had an opportunity to experience one of the world's natural wonders and Canada's number one tourist attraction.

Everyone had fun and got to see an important part of the Canadian identity! 

Our students enjoy the beauty of the Falls

 

Instructors Birol Sarigul (left) and John Rajic (right) feel the refreshing Niagara mist

 

Links


Archive of Older Stories

 

Upcoming Events from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board