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St. Charles News . . .
The HWCDSB has a new Buzz Board filled with great news stories.
Click the picture above to read the St. Charles stories from it.
Click
here for all of the school board's stories
Quick
Links:
October 2011
Check
out our story at the HWCDSB's Buzz Board about our graduation
ceremony
June
2011
Book Brings Out a
Love of Multi-Culturalism and Reading in LBS
Students
St.
Charles Barlake LBS instructors, Dino
Garofalo and Kathy Gebel, decided to start an outdoor book club for
their students. There was some initial resistance but it
turned out to be a wonderful experience.
Here is what the
instructors had to say about the experience:
Most
afternoons, you will find the LBS students from Barlake sprawled out
comfortably on the front grass of the school. Fond childhood
memories of warm June days when the teacher would let the class do
their work outside, along with a need and desire to teach our
learners to read for pleasure, prompted us (Dino and Kathy) to have
an outdoor book club/novel study.
The
students were apprehensive at first. Many had never considered
reading for pleasure and were even less excited when they discovered
the book we would be reading was about a young Afghani girl. “Why
don’t we read about something that has to do with Canada?” and
“What does this have to do with our lives?” were just a few of
the questions posed to us.
Those
attitudes changed quickly. As we began to read The Breadwinner, the
students quickly identified with the young protagonist, Parvana.
They were all amazed when we would point out the parallels between
Parvana’s difficult life and the lives that many of the LBS
learners had lived, despite being worlds away.
After
just a few chapters, the learners couldn’t wait to find out what
happened next, and great discussions erupted about what they thought
would happen. It came to the point where we, the instructors, barely
had to facilitate any discussion. They were, without any
provocation, drawing their own parallels, courteously debating
points of the story and predicting what would happen next. Best of
all; they were reading for pleasure!
Upon
the conclusion of our book club, we wanted to bring a little more
Afghanistan into our students’ lives. Amin Sidiq, an Afghani
student in Donna Metcalfe’s class, generously offered to make and
deliver a delicious, authentic meal. The students eagerly spooned
out the tasty basmati rice with beef, raisins, carrots and many
exotic spices that had probably never touched their Canadian
palates. That delicious dish was rivalled by another that had
chicken, chick peas and potatoes, swimming in a yummy sauce. It was
all rounded out by a lovely fresh salad.
The
LBS students acquired much more than just a little vitamin D from
this whole exercise. They have learned to enjoy reading, broadened
their knowledge of the world and, perhaps most importantly, became
aware of how lucky they are to have been born Canadian.
Links
June
23, 2011
St. Charles LBS
Student Overcomes Cardiac Arrest and a Coma to Win Adult Literacy
Award
Hamilton Police Officer
Jeffrey Lennox went though cardiac arrest, a coma, rehab, and more.
After his brave recovery, the Hamilton
Literacy Council and St. Charles helped him earn an Adult
Literacy Award.
In December 2008, Jeff
experienced the cardiac arrest that left him in a coma for 14 days.
Doctors were surprised when he started showing movement. After an
eight week rehab program, he started to learn to read, write and
speak again.
About a year after the
accident, Jeffrey was assessed by St. Charles. This led to
referral to the Hamilton
Literacy Council and then to the St. Charles Literacy
and Basic Skills (LBS) program at the East
5th (mountain) location. He rapidly progressed through the
levels.
In honour of all his
hard work, Jeffrey won the 2011 Hamilton Spectator Adult Literacy
Award at the Adult Basic Education
Association (ABEA) Awards ceremony on June 23, 2011. St.
Charles staff and senior administration were there for his proud
moment.
One of them was his
instructor, Laura Prinsthal. She expects him continue his
amazing work in the future. She feels Jeff will work hard to achieve
his goals.
"He is an
inspiration to his peers and staff at the Mountain Centre. Jeff is
always the first to arrive in the morning, with a positive attitude
and gentle manner", Laura said, "Jeff will go out of his
way to help others in any way he can. His sense of humour is a
welcomed attribute to the classroom."
Jeffrey is looking
forward to re-entering the police force in the near future.
Left
to right: LBS Supervisor Christine Hendrie, LBS Instructor Laura
Prinsthal, Hamilton Spectator Adult Literacy Award Winner Jeffrey
Lennox, and LBS Assessor at the ABEA Awards
Links
June
21, 2011
Notre
Dame House Grads Take First Step to Pursuing Their Dreams
Students from the Notre
Dame House overcame many obstacles in their lives in pursuit of
a dream of higher education and a bright future. On June 21st,
2011 their graduation ceremony celebrated the result of the grads'
hard work.
The successful education
program was a result of a partnership with the Brothers of the Good
Shepherd and the St. Charles Adult Education Centres. Notre
Dame House is a shelter for homeless youth, located in downtown
Hamilton.
"The ceremony was a
testimony to the dedication of the teachers at Notre
Dame House: Tom Montgomery, Kathy Lukasik and Phil Aref, who
strive to help their students achieve to their potential. "
said St. Charles Principal Bob Goodwin, " St Charles is proud
of our partnership with the Brothers of the Good Shepherd in
providing a classroom of hope for the students at Notre
Dame House."
Notre
Dame House grads enjoy their success
Links
June
16, 2011
PSW and Chef Training
Grads Start Their Journey
The St. Charles
graduates from both the Personal Support Worker (PSW) and Chef
Training programs united to celebrate the beginning of their new
life. As a result of their many challenges, the St. Charles
East 5th gym filed with laughter and tears at the graduation ceremony
on June 16, 2011.
For the Chef Training
Program, this was the very first graduating class. For months, the
students learned how to prepare food and even served staff and
students at the St. Charles cafeteria. On top of that, they
used their newfound skills at employment placements.
"We had a great
first group of students, " said Chef Training Teacher Luis
Chiarini, "They were patient, talented, fun and
enthusiastic and always willing to learn. Everyone has what it
takes to succeed in the hospitality industry."
Like the Chef graduates,
the PSW students will soon be moving on to employment (many have
already been hired). The success rate for the program is
extremely high and health-related industries are growing.
"The Personal
Support Worker graduates have shown a true sense of commitment to
learning about all aspects of becoming an outstanding caregiver.
" said PSW instructor Joanne DeRubeis, "I know that
through their work with the ill, the disabled and the elderly, they
will make a difference in the lives of those in need."
The
Chef Training grads (standing) and the PSW grads celebrate the start
of their new life.
Chef
Training Teacher Lui Chiarini cuts the cake at the grad.
Links
June
15, 2011
St. Martin's Manor
Grads Juggle Motherhood and Education With Pride
It's hard enough being a
mother to a newborn baby. Getting an education on top of that
can be a major challenge. With the help of Catholic Family
Services and St. Charles Adult Education Centres, a number of
dedicated new moms earned their high school diplomas.
St. Charles supplied the
educational components at St. Martin's Manor,
a residence and resource centre for pregnant mothers. After
all their hard work and perseverance, the students held their
graduation at the Manor on June 15, 2011.
Dignitaries from the
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board were on hand.
Chairperson Pat Daly, Director of Education Patricia Amos, and St.
Charles principal Bob Goodwin saw the pride in the students' eyes
after getting their diplomas.
"St Charles is
proud to announce a new group of alumni. Two students from St
Martin's Manor received their high school diplomas," said St.
Charles Principal Bob Goodwin, "We wish to congratulate
everyone on their achievement and wish them all the best as they
pursue their post-secondary school goals."
St.
Charles Principal, Bob Goodwin speaks to the St. Martin's Manor
grads.
Links
June
1, 2011
PSW
Students Help Teach About Health
The St. Charles PSW
students have certainly learned a lot from their course. The
Community Health at St. Charles East 5th
on June 1st gave them a chance to give back. Students offered
important information about diabetes, mental illness, Alzheimer's,
dementia and much more.
The annual fair also
includes booths from community agencies such as the Canadian Cancer
Society, Alzheimer Society and Heart and Stroke. It was a
wonderful opportunity to showcase their services to the various St.
Charles students.
“The fair is not only
an opportunity for PSW students to share their knowledge with other
students at St. Charles, but a chance for St. Charles to interact
with the community,” said PSW Instructor Joanne DeRubeis.
PSW
Students show off their booth at the Health Fair
Links
May
25, 2011
St. Charles Staff
Members Earn Director's Awards
Two St. Charles staff
members were honoured for their exceptional work at the
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board's Director's
Awards on May 25, 2011. Each year, the ceremony recognizes
individuals for outstanding dedication to students and staff as well
as their contributions to the Catholic school community.
ESL Instructor Cathy
Coruzzi and Credit Teacher Katie O'Connell received their
well-deserved plaques directly from director Patricia Amos.
Both are great examples of the love and energy St. Charles staff
brings to their work.
St. Charles Principal,
Bob Goodwin, was understandably proud of the two. "Cathy and
Katie exemplify the spirit of excellence in Catholic education and
are worthy recipients of this prestigious award." he said,
"The entire St Charles community joins in congratulating Cathy
and Katie "
HWCDSB
Director Patricia Amos (right) awards Cathy Coruzzi (top) and Katie
O'Connell (bottom) for their superb work at St. Charles.
Links
May
2011
St. Charles Means
Business for Grads
The graduates of the St.
Charles Basic Business Terminology course are well on their way to a
new life in Canada. As part of the Specialized
Language Training Program (SLTP), the class offered students a chance
to learn about Canadian business terminology and practices (not to
mention an employment placement).
With increased knowledge
and Canadian job experience under their belts, the grads begin a
journey to employment and a better life for themselves and their
families.
SLTP instructor Danielle
Marchese, got to see first hand how dedicated the grads were.
"The students in the business class were prepared, organized
and creative," she said, "These characteristics will take
them far. I wish them the best of everything."
SLTP
Business Terminology students proudly display their certificates
Links
April
15, 2011
St. Charles Helps Honour
Those Who Make a Difference
On April 15, St. Charles
helped celebrate the efforts of wonderful people who believe in
equity and inclusion. The East 5th location hosted the the
HCCI (Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion) Community Mobilization
Training program graduation.
The successful graduates
learned about political and social engagement as well as networking
and volunteering. They also focused on sharing resources and issues
affecting diverse cultures in Canada.
"You could feel the
excitement in the room as the students received their certificates
and had their pictures taken so proudly" said Vice Principal
Sandra Mlekuz, "It was a great moment and one could tell that
these are great Canadians in the making"
Joining them were the
Chairperson of HWCDSB Mr. Patrick Daly, the students and staff from
St. Charles, local MPs, MPP Ted McMeekin and the HCCI staff.
Also on hand was LINC/ESL
Supervisor, Susan Friscolanti, who helped co-ordinate the HCCI
program and the graduation ceremony itself.
Chairperson Daly spoke
about how our Board truly believes in empowering our students. He
commended the HCCI staff for delivering a great program in civic
inclusion and leadership.
Great job everyone!
Politicians,
St. Charles and HWCDSB Staff join the HCCI grads in cheering their
good work
Link
April
2011
St. Charles School
Rallies to Support a Student in Need
St.
Charles Main Street East ESL student,
Zara Idriss Abakar received tragic news from Chad (her homeland).
Zara's 6 year old son, who remained in Chad with his two siblings
and grandmother, passed away from a lengthy illness. Zara's dream to
bring her all children to Canada within the year was
shattered.
Swiftly, St. Charles
Main Street instructors and students rallied with an outpour of
support for their student and beloved peer. Although Zara was
absent, she was in the heart and minds of all. Words of condolence
were expressed in many different languages and those who did not
even know her well expressed their deepest sympathies. Stories were
shared in classrooms of other experienced tragedies and created a
bond of emotional support within the walls of St.
Charles Main Street East.
Generous donations of
money have been pouring in from students, many who were financially
stressed. To date the students and staff have raised $400. Zara's
ESL instructors will be taking the money to Zara to help her journey
home. Her journey will be arduous because flights to Africa are
restricted with the unrest in Libya. Zara will fly into Africa as
close to Chad as possible where she will be reunited with her family
and able to lay her son to rest.
St.
Charles staff and students want to send a message to Zara:
"Know you are surrounded by much support, strength and love.
Even though we were not blessed to have made your son's acquaintance
we do know you. Your faith, inner beauty and goodness will be
reflected in his soul. Upon your return, we will be here for
you."
Links
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