Hello again to everyone in Ward 3 and 4.

Read. Read. Read. This is the message that was voiced at a special event at St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School (Principal, Ms. Lisa St. Aubin).  The event was Snuggle Up & Read Kick Off to Family Literacy Day back in January.  Wearing pajamas for the day was encouraged.

The celebration took place in the gymnasium where students and staff were greeted by their Teacher-Librarian, Mrs. Edy Graziani, who organized the event.  Mrs. Graziani introduced the special guests invited to speak about the importance and joy of reading.  The invited guests were Mr. Morris Hucal-Area Superintendent of Education, Tammy Hwang-City of Hamilton Councillor (Ward 4), Donna Dobroski-grandmother of students at the school and me.

Mr. Hucal focused on the many benefits of why reading is important.  Reading improves several areas of literacy, such as, writing, speaking and listening.  Ms. Hwang professed her love of reading.  She shared with the students that English is her second language and that once she became fluent in English, Ms. Hwang became an avid reader and continues to read every day.  Ms. Dobroski spoke about the book she wrote during the Covid pandemic.  She enjoys reading and writing about things that have meaning to her.  The book is about her beloved dog.  I stressed the importance of visiting your community public library, including your school library.  It’s the perfect place to select diverse materials that interest you.  After the assembly, some of the guest speakers proceeded to assigned primary classes to read storybooks to the students.  It was a successful and fun-filled day.

As co-chairperson of the Anti-Racism Committee, I am pleased to report on one of the events that took place during Black History Month.  On February 18th, a special event took place at LIUNA Station, the 27th Annual Reverend John C. Holland Awards. This gala hosted by the Hamilton Black History Council with the support of community partners, celebrates excellence in Hamilton’s Black community.  The Awards are named after Reverend John C. Holland, the first African Canadian to be named “Citizen of the Year” in any Canadian community.  Scholarships and bursaries are awarded to Black youth from Hamilton to provide opportunities for post-secondary education and financial support.  Several graduating students from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board were recognized for their achievements, leadership and contributions.  Recipient of the Evelyn Myrie Political Action Bursary is Alice Okpere, St. Thomas More C.S.S. student and HWCDSB student trustee.  Congratulations to all the Award recipients. See www.johnhollandawards.com

CONTACT INFO:

Email Address:  angelinij@hwcdsb.ca