Because of Winn Dixie (2019)

Dear St. Mary’s Families,

St. Mary’s School is a literacy school where we share a love of reading with all our students daily.  We are about to embark on our 2019 One School, One Book literacy project.  This will run March 28, 2019 - April 11, 2019.  The project rationale is to promote literacy as a whole school community by involving the home and school.  Every student in Grade 1 – 6 will get a copy of the book, courtesy of Parent Council.  The students will read the chapters at home, a reading schedule is attached (15 minutes / night), and we will have activities, trivia and discussions at school. 

The One School One Book organization has many titles and we have selected Because of Winn Dixie, as our novel.  It is approximately at a Grade 3 reading level.  This means that some younger students will need the book read to them by an adult or older sibling.

Like many school novels, the book is a fun and adventurous story.  There will be many opportunities for you at home, as well as teachers at school, to engage in deep questions about  life choices, society and right and wrong.  These type of themes are common in books, movies and TV shows, and we believe that by working together, teachers and parents can effectively address these potentially challenging situations with our children.  It is a powerful opportunity to teach our children about our moral fabric and how we believe we should act and treat others.  You will also receive information from Literacy for Life.  This information is meant to assist in setting up and working with your child when reading at home. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school. Updates and activities are posted on our website.  We look forward to another whole school literacy project! 

Yours in Literacy,
St. Mary’s School Literacy Committee

 

Highlights of the 2019 One School, One Book Project:

Dear Families,

We are excited to announce the kick-off to our 4th One School, One Book Literacy Project!

  • Opening Assembly – March 28th at 2:00 pm
  • Foyer Display and Reading Area – charity display and read at the front with your class
  • Buddy Reading @ morning recess – didn’t have time to read?  Join Leadership students in the library!
  • Door Decorating - Grade-level popcorn prizes to be awarded!
  • Trivia Challenge – daily questions to test your reading knowledge!
  • Audio Files – listen at home or in the classroom (guess the teacher)
  • Good Works Project – buy a ticket for “Guess the Pet” prize draw and proceeds to Pound Rescue in Okotoks
  • Library Activities – Review the book menu and try out the “Book Samplings” on display in the library
  • Writing Challenge – Various genres to be written, finalists to be published in our St. Mary’s Literacy Book!
  • Literacy for Life Bingo – Take part in extra activities to win “Principal / Vice Principal” for a Day!
  • Guest Reader Day – Special Guests will be in the school reading their favourite books!
  • Parent Council Movie Night – Families are invited to attend April 11th 6:00 – 8:00 to watch the movie! (Movie is free, however any food needs to be pre-ordered)
  • Closing Assembly – Winners of prizes are announced - April 11 at 1:00pm