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St. Charles News Archive
(Older Stories)
March
2011
Language No Longer a
Stumbling Block for Medical Terminology Students
When immigrants and
refugees come to Canada, one of the main hurdles is learning a new
language. Not only do they have to learn everyday English but
job-specific terminology (that even some Canadians have a hard time
with) can
be a challenge as well.
The Specialized Language
Training Program (SLTP) from St. Charles was developed to
help. In March, the Medical Terminology students from that
program successfully completed their course.
"All of these
students came from professional backgrounds: nurses, doctors, lab
techs," said SLTP instructor Danielle Marchese,
"They have worked very hard to get jobs in their fields."
As part of SLTP, the
students gained Canadian work experience to put on their
resumes. They did employment placements at St. Elizabeth's
Village, Dr. DeRubeis - Optometrist, Sunrise Senior Living, and
Community Living. These companies learned the value of
internationally-trained professionals.
"They have gained
the Canadian experience and contacts that will help them through the
next phase of their journey. They all worked hard and it was a
pleasure to meet all of them. I wish them luck with
everything.", Danielle added.
Specialized
Language Training Program - Medical Terminology graduates proudly
display their certificates.
Links
February
11, 2011
St. Charles
Celebrates Year of the Rabbit
The Year of the Rabbit
got off to a great start at St. Mary's Elementary. On Friday,
February 11th. the St. Charles International Language Program
celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a wonderful party
filled with singing, dancing, and more.
Happy New Year everyone!
Links
February
2011
Floral Design Course
Raises Money for the United Way
A Floral Design Workshop
at St. Charles Barlake created a lot
of beauty and also helped raise $280 for charity.
For only $20, St.
Charles students were given a short class on floral design by ESL/LINC
Instructor Frances LoPresti, who contributed her time. Many
supplies and fresh flowers were donated by local businesses,
including House of Floral Designs, Staalduinen Floral Ltd. and
Teleflora Canada.
"This valuable time
inspired some students who are currently striving through times of
transition and challenges to make the art of floral design a
vocation," LoPresti said.
Great job everyone!
St.
Charles Students learn the art of floral design.
Links
January
28, 2011
St. Charles
Instructor and Canadian Ironman Run for Haiti
For the second year in a
row, St. Charles ESL Instructor Kyle Maga, ran to raise funds for
St. Joseph's School for boys in Haiti. Kyle is an accomplished
marathon runner and has competed in several big races including the
Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. On January 28,
2011 he ran to all five St. Charles locations.
This year, Kyle was
joined by Gord Pauls. He and his wife Esther have raised thousands
of dollars for relief in Haiti through their races and Gord's
inspiring triple ironman this past summer.
St.
Charles Barlake Staff and students cheer on Kyle Maga (left) and
Gord Pauls (right) before they run to all 5 St. Charles centres
January
27, 2011
St. Charles PSW Hosts
Job Fair
The PSW
Program hosted a Job Fair sponsored by We Care Home Health
Services at St. Charles on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
"It was excellent
timing for our students since they have just graduated only a week
ago and are actively looking for employment in the health care field,"
said PSW Teacher Joanne De Rubeis.
Many of the PSW
graduates have already been hired by several long term care
facilities, assisted living and home care agencies.
The job fair was a great
success since 8 of our students were hired! A great partnership has
now been established since the mission and vision of We Care is
parallel to that of the St. Charles PSW Program.
Links
January
27, 2011
St. Charles Literacy
and Basic Skills Program Showcases "Play for Literacy"
It's not everyday that
an event includes school children, a politician, an Olympic athlete,
and a ventriloquist. All of them came together on January 27, 2011
to celebrate Family Literacy Day at St. Charles Main E.
This year's theme was
"Play for Literacy". Adults from St. Charles and students
from St. Patrick's elementary school learned about the importance of
play in education. The children read from some of their favourite
books and the adult students from the Literacy and Basic Skills
(LBS) program shared stories about how St. Charles helped them in
their education.
The keynote speaker was
the renowned Canadian athlete (and former world-record holder)
Cecilia Carter-Smith. Cecilia kept the participants spell-bound with
stories of her experiences and her energetic enthusiasm.
The high energy
continued with puppeteer Tim Holland, who kept the young children
and all the young at heart laughing. His act included goofing
around with Crackers (his parrot puppet), riding a unicycle, and
juggling. For the finale, he did all three at the same time!
Also in attendance were
over 150 attendees, including senior administration from the
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board, St. Charles staff,
students, families, politicians and the media. Hon. Ted McMeekin,
MPP for Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough and West Hamilton brought
greetings on behalf on the province.
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| Ventriloquist
Tim Holland entertains the crowd with his puppet
Crackers. |
Former
Olympic athlete,
Cecilia Carter-Smith, shares her experiences. |
Links
January 20, 2011
Personal Support
Worker Graduates Find Their Purpose
After months of
determination and commitment, the 16th Personal
Support Worker St. Charles class have found their purpose in
life. To celebrate, they had a graduation ceremony filled with
music, speeches and joy.
"Becoming a good
PSW is a calling, a vocation," said PSW Program Teacher Joanne
De Rubeis at the event, "and it it is clear that you have met
the expectations of providing individuals with safe, thorough and
dignified care"
Soon, the St. Charles
PSW students will be starting a new chapter in their lives. After
challenging work placements, many of the grads have already been
hired by either home care agencies or long term care
facilities.
"The students have
shown great determination and a true commitment to learning and I
wish them all continued success," Joanne added.
The
16th Personal Support Worker St. Charles graduating class
Links
December 2010
Specialized Language
Training Program Graduates Find Success
The Hospitality and
Tourism course (Part of the SLTP
program) has finished but the effects it has on the lives of the
graduates continues. Many have started new jobs or have new
Canadian experience to add to their resumes.
A number of the students
were hired on by the work placements they did as part of this
wonderful program. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and a few
other companies were pleased to have these dedicated students help
them out. One graduate even purchased a sushi restaurant
franchise and is considering hiring
some of her classmates.
"I am very
proud of this group," said SLTP Instructor Danielle Marchese,
"They all worked so hard and were eager to learn
right from the first day of class."
"I wish them all the best for the New Year,"
she added.
The Hospitality and
Tourism graduating class show off their certificates.
Links
November
2010
St. Charles Barlake
Holds Successful Silent Auction Fundraiser
In a few short hours,
approximately $855 was raised for the United Way though an
incredible silent auction held at St.
Charles Barlake.
It all began with the
ring of an old school bell and the event was underway. Even
though some of the students were needy themselves, they dug deep and
helped out during the holiday season.
Many of the English
as a Second Language and LINC
instructors used the auction as part of their lesson plans. It
was a chance for the students to socialize using their newly-adopted
language.
Over 60 items (most of
which were donated by local businesses) were auctioned of to the
bargain-hunters at St. Charles.
A big thank you to all
the staff and students for helping support those less fortunate.
Students
line up to take part in the silent auction
Links
November
2010
St. Charles
Instructors Create Support Program For Students
Thanks to the efforts of
three compassionate St. Charles ESL/LINC
instructors, there is now a wonderful new support program that helps
students in need.
Cristina Ciancone,
Sabrina Tenace and Alana Tymchuk (from St.
Charles Main Street East) started volunteering their time to
assist immigrant students who needed help settling into their
adopted country. This included translating documents, calling social
workers, and offering advice.
As a direct result of
their dedication, the St. Charles Student Support Program (SSP) was
born. Not only did it continue the great work of the original
3 instructors but it expanded into other areas as well.
Volunteers now collect clothing and household items for students
with financial difficulties. The program also encourages
students to be more involved in their children's education.
A big thank you to
everyone involved! You really made a difference!
Left
to right: Alana Tymchuk, Sabrina Tenace and Cristina Ciancone show
off the items donated by staff and students at St. Charles Main
Street East.
Links:
October
27, 2010
Harvest of Cultures
Celebrates Diversity
Once again, the St.
Charles East 5th gymnasium was packed with happy, cheering,
screaming spectators. After all, St. Charles held it's annual
ESL Extravaganza on October 27, 2010 as part of ESL Week.
This year's theme was a
Harvest of Cultures. Students from different ethnic
backgrounds performed music and dance routines from their home
countries. There was also a beautiful fashion show to kick things
off. It was an amazing showcase of the cultural diversity served by
the St. Charles Schools.
"This is the one
opportunity of the year where we're able to come together and
celebrate diversity, " said St. Charles principal, Bob Goodwin.
There were Iraqi
drummers, Kurdish dancers, African singers and much more to see and
hear at this wonderful event.
We would like to
congratulate everyone involved in organizing and performing in this excellent
celebration. We look forward to next year!
Links:
October 21, 2010
Graduates Use St.
Charles to Turn Life Around
There were many stories
in the faces of the St. Charles graduating class. On October
21, 2010, St. Charles held a much-deserved celebration for those
students who, thanks to the teachers and staff at the school, are
now writing a new chapter in their lives.
Benjamin Stein, this
year's valedictorian, shared some his personal experiences with his
fellow graduates in his speech.
"I was the guy who
dropped out of high school because I chose a different life back
then, " he explained, "A life that consisted of being in
the wrong crowd of people, and never finishing anything I'd ever
start."
Benjamin decided to make
a positive change and returned to school.
" I made the best
decision of all, the one to get the life I've always wanted, the
life of being something better," he continued, "This is
why we are all here; we all wanted to be something bigger and
better! This moment is the payoff we all wanted and we
achieved!"
Benjamin credited his
teachers for his academic success.
"I give a special
appreciation to the teachers I had the chance to get to know and
learn from. If it wasn't for them taking the time to teach me the
things I learned, I wouldn't be here," Benjamin added.
The proud grad was
recently accepted into George Brown College.
We would like to
congratulate Benjamin and all the other graduates and wish them luck
in this new exciting chapter.
Benjamin
Stein (left) accepts his valedictorian plaque from award sponsor
Paul Blake
Links
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