Celebrating I Read Canadian Day
Feb 18, 2021
Lakehead Public Schools participated in the nation-wide challenge to “Read Canadian” on Wednesday, February 17th. Hundreds of classrooms, and thousands of Lakehead Public Schools students connected virtually with community members who shared their personal love of reading and read a story written by a Canadian author to the students board wide.
Eric Fredrickson, Principal of Program Department & Early Years, led the event with outstanding success.
Virtual guest readers included Chair of the Lakehead District School Board, Ellen Chambers, who read M is for Maple – A Canadian Alphabet, by Mike Ulmer, the Honourable Patty Hajdu who read A World Worth Imagining by local author Sue Holloway, as well as Lakehead Public Schools’ Student Trustee and Indigenous Student Trustee.
Simran Talpade, Student Trustee, knew exactly which book she would select to read to the students, remembering the very event that increased her own self-confidence as a child. “I chose to read The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch because it’s one of the first books I ever remember reading by myself. The pride I felt in being able to complete the text by myself did wonders for my self-confidence, something sorely lacking from my mindset when I was younger. I chose to read this story for the students in hopes that it would help spark interest in them to dive into the bright world of literature, and that they would be able to feel proud and accomplished of their literary achievements, just as I did”. Simran’s personal story of one’s accomplishments improving self-confidence is a strong, inspirational message youth need to hear.
Keira Essex, Indigenous Student Trustee, went above and beyond the task as well. This bright student has a deep understanding of the world and took the opportunity to convey an important message to the hundreds of young listeners by reading We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. “I chose this book because I strongly believe that we cannot achieve reconciliation without protecting the land. This story illustrates the importance of the land in Indigenous creed and culture while emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and nature. It also gives representation to children and youth in the realm of activism, which empowers youth to speak up for themselves, for others, and for what they believe in”.
Take the challenge to “Read Canadian”. Visit www.ireadcanadian.com for more information.
