Intercom is published regularly and serves to inform Vanier staff and teachers of notices and special events. It is posted on the Vanier College website and distributed electronically. Submissions should be sent to [email protected]. Submissions should be in WORD, and sent as an attachment. No formatting or bullets. Deadline: 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding publication. Marketing students head to internships in France On Wednesday, April 20th, 2016, eleven students in the Marketing program left for France for internships in Paris, Belfort, Troyes, and Vannes. These 2-month internships will enhance their abilities in business, marketing and events planning. They will be working for international companies such the Novotel hotel chain, General Electric, the Belfort Eurokéennes, one of the most important French music festivals, Bleecker, a Paris real estate company, the CAPEB, a French syndicate, and in the Town Hall of Troyes. “I don’t know what to expect; it will be a whole new experience”, says Alana Simon, while Leonise Mouawad adds “I know work environments in Canada and France are different. I’m expecting more formality but I’m waiting to see”. “We live in a global economy, so providing our students with opportunities to work in a foreign country and learn new business customs will serve them well in the future. This is our 12th year of the exchange program and so far over 650 students have benefited from the learning opportunities provided by internships in France,” concludes George Dracopoulos, the Vanier International Business Exchange Coordinator. See the full news release in the Newsroom. Marguerite Corriveau, Vanier Communications Language School Danish/German Exchange Once again, we were very pleased to host 14 students and their teacher from Deutsches Gymnasium für Nordschleswig in Denmark. Students left Vanier very happy with their experience, after having spent four weeks studying English, French and/or music. The Language School would like to thank those who participated and made this years’ group a success. A special thanks goes out to the homestay families for making their stay a comfortable one. We hope to host this group again next year. Tommy Diamantakos, Language School The Language School at Kells Academy The Language School is working with the school administrators at Kells Academy High School to help their English Second Language students develop their writing skills. Each week, a Language School instructor visits Kells and provides pedagogical training and support to their 3 ESL teachers. There are a total of 40 students participating in the writing courses. So far, Kells is quite pleased with this project and there is mention to offer the same project next year. Tommy Diamantakos, Language School Marketing students heading to France Volume M16, Issue No. 15, April 25, 2016
Transcript
Intercom is published regularly and serves to inform Vanier staff and teachers of notices and special events. It is posted on the Vanier College website and distributed electronically. Submissions should be sent to [email protected]. Submissions should be in WORD, and sent as an attachment. No formatting or bullets. Deadline: 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding publication.
Marketing students head to internships in France
On Wednesday, April 20th, 2016, eleven students in the Marketing
program left for France for internships in Paris, Belfort, Troyes, and
Vannes.
These 2-month internships will enhance their abilities in business,
marketing and events planning. They will be working for
international companies such the Novotel hotel chain, General
Electric, the Belfort Eurokéennes, one of the most important
French music festivals, Bleecker, a Paris real estate company, the
CAPEB, a French syndicate, and in the Town Hall of Troyes.
“I don’t know what to expect; it will be a whole new experience”,
says Alana Simon, while Leonise Mouawad adds “I know work
environments in Canada and France are different. I’m expecting
more formality but I’m waiting to see”.
“We live in a global economy, so providing our students with
opportunities to work in a foreign country and learn new business
customs will serve them well in the future. This is our 12th year of
the exchange program and so far over 650 students have benefited
from the learning opportunities provided by internships in France,”
concludes George Dracopoulos, the Vanier International Business
Exchange Coordinator.
See the full news release in the Newsroom.
Marguerite Corriveau, Vanier Communications
Language School Danish/German Exchange
Once again, we were very pleased to host 14 students and their teacher from Deutsches Gymnasium für Nordschleswig in Denmark. Students left Vanier very happy with their experience, after having spent four weeks studying English, French and/or music. The Language School would like to thank those who participated and made this years’ group a success. A special thanks goes out to the homestay families for making their stay a comfortable one. We hope to host this group again next year.
Tommy Diamantakos, Language School
The Language School at Kells Academy
The Language School is working with the school administrators at Kells Academy High School to help their English Second Language students develop their writing skills. Each week, a Language School instructor visits Kells and provides pedagogical training and support to their 3 ESL teachers. There are a total of 40 students participating in the writing courses. So far, Kells is quite pleased with this project and there is mention to offer the same project next year.
This year Montreal Pow Wow and Vanier Indigenous Circle have teamed up together to host a two day Pow Wow on the front lawn of Vanier College, on May 7th and 8th, 2016. Pow Wows were originally a gathering of medicine men and spiritual leaders. Modern Pow Wows are gatherings of Natives and non-Natives to dance, celebrate, laugh, pray and socialize. The Montreal Pow Wow makes it possible for inner city people both of Indigenous and non-Indigenous decent to join together to celebrate Aboriginal culture in Montreal. This year is shaping up to be the biggest Montreal Pow Wow to date and it’s an amazing opportunity to experience Pow Wow in your own front yard. Bring your family and friends. It’s an all ages, all-inclusive event in a drug, alcohol and smoking free environment. The Mayor of Ville St Laurent, Alan De Sousa, will be there to kick off the Grand Entry. So come on out and try your first “Indian Taco,” buy some handmade local Indigenous art, and watch a vibrant group of dancers and drummers from Quebec and Ontario. It’s free, though we do suggest a donation of $5 to help support the dancers and drummers. Questions? Drop by Student Services to speak to Marya Grant or contact any of the members of the Vanier Indigenous Circle. Feel free to check out our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1067563283300506/ Marya Grant, Student Services on behalf of the Vanier Indigenous Circle
(David Piercey, Jacky Vallee Lisa Sparkes, and Marya Grant)
Spotted at Vanier
Eastern Grey Squirrels. Ok, so no surprise, as these squirrels, scientifically known as Sciurus carolinensis are regular inhabitants of Vanier property. What is unusual is that a dark brown/black one is now seen on property, which is a first for me. Black is often the
dominant colour in Ontario, but Montreal most often boasts the grey colour. A litter of squirrels may have both black and grey individuals. The different coat colour is the result of a genetic mutation and the black morph is known as the melanistic form, as these animals have more melanin in their coat. Montreal and the surrounding area also has a white morph of these squirrels. Black squirrels were first recorded in Victoria Park in London, Ontario. From there the stories change, but it appears these black squirrels were imported into the United States and other parts of Canada. Eastern Grey squirrels were also imported to the United Kingdom and South Africa. Why, I don’t know. The Eastern Grey squirrel is an opportunistic feeder allowing it to thrive in a variety of habitats. They eat tree buds, maple seeds, berries, wild fruits, seeds, nuts, apples, flower buds, vegetables, student lunches and whatever snacks they find in garbage bins. These squirrels are amazing acrobats and athletes which can reach speeds of up to 25 km/hr. No matter your attitude towards them, squirrels should be respected as the wild, adaptable, tenacious creatures that they are. For a good laugh google “mission impossible squirrel”. Keep your eyes and ears open. There is a variety of wildlife here at Vanier College. Take the time to look around. You may be surprised at what you see.
Evelynne Barten, Environmental and Wildlife Management
Vanier College Collective Gardens
Spring has arrived and the gardens are sprouting. We already have lungwort, violets and dandelions in bloom. These gardens are an important part of the Vanier environment for pedagogy, community and biodiversity. Just a few years ago, Vanier grounds were primarily mature trees, grass and some neglected planters. The Vanier Community got involved and we are watching the campus evolve into mixed gardens, wildlife habitat and a thriving, dynamic green space. Vanier College Collective Gardens is preparing and recruiting for the gardening season. If you want to get involved, even for a few hours, or have any plants or garden products to donate, please contact me or Myriam Mansour.
Follow us on fb: https://www.facebook.com/groups/956934947670755/ And join our Omnivox Portal Community: https://vaniercollege.omnivox.ca/intr/VanierCollectiveGardens/
Evelynne Barten, Environmental and Wildlife Management
Math and Science Centre
Pre-Final Exam Review Sessions for Select Math & Science Courses Please inform your students of the following pre-final exam review sessions: May 11th starting at 10am: Mechanics Review by Prof. Rhys Adams May 11th starting at 12pm: NYB Chemistry Q&A by Prof. Mauro Di Renzo May 12th starting at 1pm: NYA Chemistry Q&A by Prof. Mauro Di Renzo May 16th starting at 10am: Calculus 1 Review by Prof. Ellen Cooper May 17th starting at 10am: Calculus 2 Review by Prof. Ellen Cooper May 18th starting at 10am: Waves Review by Prof. Rhys Adams Students wishing to attend must sign up online in advance: http://bit.ly/hVuZ4y Space is limited. Final Biology Review Session The last tutor led review session for biology this semester will take place in A-475 (Biology Resource Room) from 10 to 11:30AM on April 26th and will cover the following topics: Ecology and Diversity of Life (Bio 1) and Biotechnology and Animal Systems (immunology, nervous system, endocrine) (Bio 2). Students wishing to attend must sign up online: http://bit.ly/hVuZ4y Math & Science Peer Tutoring Please note that our tutoring program officially ends on Friday, May 6th. However, we will be operating a reduced drop in tutoring service on the week of May 9th to May 13th inclusive. Volunteers for Junior Robotics On April 29th and 30th, Vanier College will be hosting the Junior Robotics Competition. As a result, we are currently looking to recruit several student and faculty volunteers. If you are interested and available anytime between 7am and 3:30pm on either day, please contact Haritos Kavallos at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Chess Competition: 8 Player Eliminator-Style The first winter semester chess competition will take place on Wednesday, April 27th in the Math & Science Centre during Universal Break. Space is limited to the first 8 students who sign up online: http://bit.ly/hVuZ4y Thank you for passing on the information to your students.
Haritos Kavallos, Math & Science Centre
Gloria Di Murro Creativity Award
This award recognizes a full-time graduating student in Arts, Literature and Communication Program: Languages and Cultures OR Communications, Media and Studio Arts. Students may be furthering their education in the arts or choose to work in an arts-related field. Interested students are invited to submit the following:
A typed 250 to 500-word essay explaining why they feel they deserve this award as well as describe how they intend to pursue their education or their apprenticeship in the arts. The candidate is encouraged to submit this information in any format.
A letter of reference from a faculty member at Vanier College
A current transcript
A cover page with the name, student number, email address and phone number.
Applicants may submit their applications to Silvana Cannatelli (B-224) or Joshua Berman (B205) May 2, 2016.
Silvana Cannatelli, Director General’s Office Gilda Di Murro-Gangai, Communications Office
Student Awards Ceremony
The Learning Centre and Math & Science Centre will be holding a Student Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 25th at 6:00 p.m. to honor all peer tutors and volunteers in the college. During this ceremony each tutor/volunteer will receive a Certificate of Merit from their program supervisor. If you have any students who have been tutoring or volunteering for your department and feel they should be included in the ceremony, please contact Pam Espinosa in the Learning Centre at: [email protected]. Thank you.
Joanne Ellis, The Learning Centre
2016 STUDENT LIFE AWARD
The Student Life Award recognizes those graduating students who deserve recognition for their commitment, integrity and perseverance in contributing to Vanier's student life, aside from academic achievement. Leadership, effort, and the ability to
motivate and involve others are often the qualities exhibited by Student Life Award recipients. To consider information about a candidate's involvement in co-curricular activities, the Selection Committee invites recommendations from those persons familiar with the candidate's activities at Vanier College. Any student, faculty or staff member of Vanier College may nominate a candidate to the Student Life Award. Please print and complete the nomination form found on the web at: http://vaniercollege.qc.ca/student-services/student-development/student-life-awards.php and return it together with your letter of recommendation to the Student Life Award Selection Committee in Student Services, C-203, no later than May 10, 2016.
Donata Parisella, Student Services
Referral Form: Early Alert Support
There is a system in place for teachers to refer students to support services. The Early Alert Support referral form should be completed and submitted as soon as it becomes noticeable that a student is likely to fail your course and requires support beyond help understanding course content. Note that it is no longer mandatory for you to obtain consent from your students before referring them. You will receive confirmation that the referral has been received and the student has been contacted. The student will then meet with a member of the Student Success Advisory Committee, who will refer the student to relevant resources and follow-up to ensure the student is making use of them. Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you want further information about this initiative: extension 7568 or [email protected]. Referral form: Early Alert Support: http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/student-success/referral-form/. A link can also be found on http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/teachers.
Cari Clough, The Learning Centre
Capsule linguistique
Bonjour a tous et a toutes! Vous desirez verifier vos connaissances en francais? Rien de plus facile avec les capsules linguistiques. Voici l’erreur incluse dans la phrase de la semaine derniere : « Je pense utilisé de nouveaux outils dans la réalisation de mon travail. » Il fallait plutôt écrire: « Je pense utiliser de nouveaux outils dans la réalisation de mon travail. »
Explication: Le verbe « penser » peut servir à exprimer une opinion : « Que penses-tu de ce livre? ». Il peut aussi exprimer le fait d’avoir des pensees pour quelqu’un ou quelque chose : « Tu m’as manque : j’ai pense a toi tous les jours! ». Toutefois, lorsqu’il exprime une intention, le verbe « penser » est suivi d’un infinitif . Par exemple : « Cet été, je pense aller à la plage .» « Demain, je pense me reposer, car je suis fatigué. » Voici la phrase a corriger de la semaine : Niveau de difficulte : intermédiaire « Dans notre societe, tout le monde pense qu’ils peuvent faire ce qui leur plaît. » Vous devez trouver et corriger la faute contenue dans cette phrase. La semaine prochaine, vous obtiendrez la reponse, ainsi qu’une breve explication. Bonne chance!
Isabelle Rivest, departement de francais
French Writing Clinics
French Writing Clinics
Winter, 2016 Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
in room K 307
Does sending a letter, a memo or an e-mail in French makes you a little nervous? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore! That’s right. You can now use the services of a professional French teacher to help make your French writing a perfect piece of art!
Come to our French Writing Clinics, where a Vanier French teacher will help you write the professional business correspondences you have been dreaming of!
These clinics will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room K 307.
For more information, please contact: Isabelle Rivest, French Department, K 307, at extension 7853.
Isabelle Rivest, département de français
The E. Martin Richstone Memorial Scholarship for Mathematics The E. Martin Richstone Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who displays a marked interest in mathematics, both at Vanier College, and in their future studies. Criteria for the selection of the winner will be based on the following:
A. Academic achievement in mathematics
B. Participation in math competitions, selection of optional
Application forms can be downloaded here: http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/cms/uploads/0a0620a7-6f88-5328.pdf
The deadline to submit your completed application is: April 29, 2016 5:00pm. The Mathematics Department would like to wish all those who apply the very best of luck.
Sandi Mak, Department of Mathematics
English Department Coffee House
The English Symposium Organizing Committee invites all members of the Vanier community to attend and/or participate in our annual English Department Coffee House, which takes place this year on Friday, April 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. in room B-325 (the Theatre room). This event welcomes Vanier students, faculty, staff, and administrators to give a public reading of their creative written work, which could range from poetry to fiction to literary non-fiction. If you would like to share some of your artistic endeavours in written form with a supportive audience, please feel free to come. Everyone is welcome to attend simply as an audience member, as well. Refreshments will be served. Contact Alan Wong at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
Alan Wong, English Department
Grounds at Vanier
A second environmental assessment of Vanier was carried out in 2015. Every week, we will print a synopsis of a chapter right here, along with the accompanying info-graphic. The full document is now available online at: http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/sustainability-office/campaigns/ This week: Grounds
This is a new chapter in this assessment. Vanier’s grounds are large and, although the grounds figure prominently in both our advertising and in students’ important “Vanier moments,” they are somewhat taken for granted. Our large trees, in particular, are showing signs of their age and many of them will need to be removed in the coming years. Thankfully, we have begun to think of our replacement strategy and have been planting many trees in the last two years. The development of the
collective garden is an important initiative related to the grounds
as it makes links between the grounds and academic activities. The new sports field is the biggest factor for our grounds in the period covered by this assessment. Although this has negative impacts on the environment (drainage, biodiversity, heat island effect) it has positive social and perhaps even financial impacts for the College. What is most necessary to develop as far as the grounds are concerned is a clear vision articulated through a long term development plan. This would save the College money and help to preserve and accentuate one of our most ignored assets: our beautiful and large space.
Marya Grant, Student Services
Final Third-year Improvisation Concert!
Alas that such woes befall us, but such is the nature of time marching on. This Wednesday, April 27, beginning at noon in the Auditorium, you will have your last chance to hear this particular group of students in the three-year professional music program. Directed by Nick Di Tomaso (with a little help from David Watts) this fourth and final appearance of the group is sure to be a high-energy affair, with all original tunes composed and arranged by the different members of the group. Now that is something you won’t see very often. One of the songs is called The Miraculous Effects (of Alcohol) and is followed by a song called It Ain’t Wrong. Subliminal? Has this recital been sponsored somehow by the SAQ? It may bear investigation! At any rate, now that Spring has officially arrived with some warmer temps, why not come down and join us at this free and unique recital for a bit of cool and a lot of hot before the rush is on to cram for exams.
Glen Ethier, Department of Music
Big Band Benefit a Huge Success
Congratulations and thank you to all the performers in the Vanier College Big Band and the J.L. Big Band who put on such a marvellous show last Monday, April 18, in honour of John Lynch. Both groups were at the top of their game in this one, undoubtedly inspired by and feeding off the energy of an excellent crowd. Band directors Jocelyn Couture and Christopher Smith really put the groups through their paces, and guest vocalist Sharada Banman was nothing short of amazing with her renditions of “Too Close for Comfort,” “So Long You Fool,” and “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Special thanks go out to past music department coordinator Nadia Turbide and to Brendan Flynn for their kind words during their testimonials to John. And of course, none of it possible without the support of the various Vanier departments and individuals who worked so hard to make the evening a success and help out our J.L. Scholarship fund in the process—thank you!
This week will be the last UBZEN of the semester. In total there have been 125 participations this year. Wednesday, April 27th, from 12-1 pm in room G-232 of the Sports Complex Below are two links we have listened to often this year: the ocean, and compassionate-focused therapy medita-tions with Christopher Germer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoAeFpUB1hA http://www.mindfulselfcompassion.org/meditations_downloads.php Thanks to all the staff who told their classes and to those of you who came by yourselves.
Leanne Rondeau, Student Services
Author Holly Elissa Bruno to speak at Vanier on Early Childhood Education teaching
The Early Childhood Education Department is hosting a talk by Holly Elissa Bruno on Monday, May 2nd from 1:30 to 3:00 in the Auditorium. Holly Elissa Bruno, MA, JD, is a best-selling author, international keynote speaker, ground-breaking radio host and seasoned team builder. She will speak on the topic of “Gossiping and Negative Attitudes in the ECE Workplace: Challenges and Solutions”. Holly Elissa’s books include the best-selling What You Need to Lead an Early Childhood Program: Emotional Intelligence in Practice (NAEYC, 2012), and Learning from the Bumps in the Road (Redleaf Press, 2013). The Comfort of Little Things: An Educator’s Guide to
Second Chances, was released in June to rave reviews from both within and outside the early childhood field. iTunes has ranked Holly Elissa’s radio programs in its top 200 k-12 podcasts. Holly Elissa’s keynotes receive stellar audience reviews internationally and across America. To “recovering attorney” Holly Elissa, life is too short to do anything but enjoy it daily.The talk is co-sponsored by the Academic Dean of Vanier College, VCTA, CAYC and AECEQ and is open to the Vanier community.
Mary Johnson, Early Childhood Education
Vanier Video Festival
The Communications, Media and Studio Arts Department is excited to announce the 43rd Vanier Video Festival year-end screening happening on Wednesday, May 4th in the Auditorium A-103 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30). Come and discover the remarkable talent that this festival consistently delivers! As well, the CMSA Graduating Show
group exhibition precedes this event at 5:30pm in the Henry Lehmann Gallery. An evening not to miss!
Dan Stefik, Communications, Media and Studio Arts
Teaching Tip: Stop and Go Strategies We often find ourselves, along with our students, racing to the finish line of the semester. What we should also remember is to take some time, slow down a bit, and even stop, is key too. Giving students time to slow down, reflect, connect the current material and competencies with earlier course material and, possibly, with other competencies in their program, is an important and effective way to help students learn, grasp, and understand the material at a deeper level.
Effective Stopping Techniques There are many effective moments when stopping students will help them to re-focus, predict, and gather their knowledge and understanding of material or concepts that they need to know or review. The possibilities are endless. For inspiration consider:
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Opportunities to Stop Instructional strategy for students when they stop
1. Somewhere during a reading or film Predict what happens next or the ending
1. During a lab setting Discuss the probably results with lab partner
2. In class when students are sleepy or unfocused
Give them time to stand up, stretch, and breathe deeply
3. When beginning a new topic Have students discuss with a partner what they already know about the topic
4. Reviewing a textbook, chapter, article Encourage students to look at how the chapter or text is laid out on the page – look for clues of important points
5. Before a test or exam Help students to consider all possibilities of what will be on the test or exam, what type of exam it will be, what material it will encompass
Stop and Go Strategies When students are offered opportunities to stop for a while and regain their focus, it is essential that we also offer concrete ways for them to ‘get going’ again too and to not lose their momentum. When we help students review what they have discussed when they stopped, finding ways to incorporate their findings and expectations into the reality of ‘what’s next’, can be very powerful. When students accurately predict an ending or the results of a lab experiment, and then discover they were right, this is usually very exhilarating for them. Analyzing and predicting correctly what will most likely be on an upcoming exam, can really motivate students in their study techniques for the exam. Helping students periodically stop and then get started again can go a long way for them to gain a better understanding of the expected course competencies. For an opportunity to discuss other Stop and Go Strategies, please contact Wilma Brown. Other online Teaching Tips are available on the PDO web page.
