I Love to Read Month is a month-long celebration held each year to share in the joy of reading! Going to schools to read with students is, without question, one of my favourite ‘unofficial trustee duties.’ I enjoy not only sharing my favourite books but also telling them a little bit about my reading journey. 

I don’t sugar coat it; I happily admit that I haven’t always loved reading. I tell them that when I was in elementary school, I diligently read every word on every page, but it always seemed like when I got to the end of the book, I was left scratching my head; I just couldn’t seem to piece it together. Although there is a happy ending, I tell them how I didn’t give up! I practiced, and I practiced, and I practiced, I found books that I loved, and by the time I got to high school, there was seldom a time I didn’t have a book in my hand. 

I want them to know that I Love to Read Month isn’t just for the kids who have found the joy of reading. No, I Love to Read is just as much a month to celebrate all of the students who are still ‘meh’ about reading but continue to grow, continue to persevere. I say this because, in St. James-Assiniboia, we do not just celebrate the end product; no, we rejoice in the journey each and every single one of our kids takes in seeing themselves as a reader. 

-Message from Holly Hunter, St. James-Assiniboia School Division Trustee