Two EMSB teachers win Prime Minister’s Awards

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School   in Rosemount-Petite-Patrie Music teacher Arianne Asly-Verdon and John Caboto Academy in  Ahuntsic Math, English, Citizenship, and Quebec Culture Jennifer De Leeuw   have been awarded with a Regional Certificates of Achievement for the 2025 Prime Minister's Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence.

“Arianne’s  compassion, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education have touched countless lives. Students leave her classes not only with musical expertise but also with a sense of purpose and confidence that serves them in all aspects of life,” said Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School Principal Tanya Alvares.

“Ms. De Leeuw was not just my son's teacher,” said Vanessa Chimienti, Chair of the John Caboto Academy Governing Board. “She has been his guide, his advocate in my absence, and a source of inspiration, helping [him] recognize his potential and nurturing a sense of accomplishment that has followed him throughout high school.”

Arianne Asly-Verdon

Ms.  Asly-Verdon, affectionately known as  Mme Arianne,  is a bilingual music educator whose joyful, inclusive approach has transformed music education at the school, where she has built a program that engages students in creative exploration, digital music-making, and collaborative performance. Her classes blend music theory, culture and personal expression to build confidence and a lifelong love of music. She will be formally presented with this honor on December 15 by NDP Member of Parliament for Rosemount-La Petite Patrie Alexandre Boulerice.

Ms.  Asly-Verdon’s teaching practice is based on creativity and play. She adapts each lesson to meet the diverse needs of her learners, using music as an outlet for self-expression and emotional regulation. Believing that music is everywhere, she uses games, hands-on exploration, and digital tools to make concepts accessible, engaging, and meaningful. From helping students compose video game soundtracks to leading the school-wide Talent Show, she  creates an environment where all students feel safe to express themselves.

In the classroom Ms. Asly-Verdon  builds digital literacy through tools like Chrome Music Lab and BeepBox, where students compose songs, create rhythms, and develop soundtracks for projects. She also composes original music for student performances; students perform in French, English, and sign language, as well as holiday shows with songs celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. Over the years she has also advocated for a dedicated music classroom, personally purchasing instruments and supplies to build a well-equipped space

Jennifer De Leeuw

 Ms. De Leeuw has spent the past 20 years at John Caboto, building classrooms where every student can succeed. She blends technology, creative storytelling, and real-world learning to spark curiosity in each student. Whether tailoring her teaching to supporting specific students or helping colleagues include strategies into their own practice, she goes above and beyond to raise the standard of excellence across the entire school. Her philosophy is grounded in meeting students where they are. As such, her lesson plans are flexible, tailored for academic and emotional growth.  She begins each day with mindfulness practices, daily reflection and open discussions, developing emotional intelligence in students.

Ms. De Leeuw is also given credit for a flexible classroom design with beanbag chairs, group stations, and quiet corners to support student preference. She integrates digital literacy by using creative tools for assignments—students create digital storybooks, make "book trailers" instead of writing traditional book reports, collaborate on podcasts. She was presented with her award on November 21 by Federal Minister of Industry and MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville Melanie Joly. Watch our podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tou4w6gjH8g

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 35,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.