Beurling and SSD Each Earn a QESBA Award

by Julie Liebman

Beurling and LBPSB’s SSD grabbed two prizes at the recent QESBA award ceremony.

Beurling Academy was awarded the prize in the School Promotion category for its Project Based Learning initiative, which continues to bring tremendous pride to its students.

Through problem-solving to applying what they learn in the classroom to a real-life setting, this initiative helped instill a curious mindset for students who developed planning, time management, and teamwork skills.

For those who do not know, project-based learning is tough work, both for students and teachers. At times, students may struggle and problem-solve when they apply their learnings to explain, create, and build something that they share outside of their classroom.

Their perseverance and hard work were rewarded!

Some related projects included:

Interviewing local live participants in a live-museum to learn more about the history of Verdun to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Historical neighbourhood walks that were created and guided by Grade 7 and Grade 9 students.
Interviewing residents of a local seniors’ residence to create a poetry zine inspired by their experiences.

Bravo Beurling!

LBPSB’s Student Service’s Department took the second award for their Building Connections Playgroup in the Community Engagement category.

The playgroup was created as a welcoming space for families with a diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism. Through structured yet flexible play experiences, the group supports each child’s unique strengths while promoting communication and social skills. The group also is intended to increase parent well-being through shared understanding and a sense of belonging.

Some related activities included:

Monthly 90-minute sessions held in school gymnasiums and community playgrounds held year-round (Allion, Lasalle Jr., Dorval Elementary, and Maple Grove participated)

The activities are animated by the Consultant for Autism along with volunteers (SSD professionals, special education technicians, integration aides). Community partners are also involved.

One of the goals of the program is to reduce isolation of parents of children who have intellectual disability and autism and to help them build a network.

To date, feedback from parents has been extremely positive, as they praise the new community that that SSD has created for them.

The program is such a success that it gained 20 registrations in its first 24 hours!

Congrats SSD!