Released on September 8, 2016
In recognition of International Literacy Day, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan has proclaimed September 8, 2016, as Literacy Day in Saskatchewan. As part of celebrations across the province, the Minister visited W.F. Ready School in Regina. For W.F. Ready School, every day is Literacy Day.“Strong literacy skills foster life-long learning and play an important role in the quality of life in our province,” Morgan said. “In order to reach the targets in the Plan for Growth, including increased graduation rates, we must remain committed to improving literacy rates.”
At W.F. Ready School, literacy is embedded throughout the school environment, the staff’s commitment to students, and in their daily actions. This includes scheduled daily literacy blocks for all classrooms, established Reading Beliefs that are reflected in student opportunities, frequent communication with students’ families to support literacy in the home, a staff Literacy Leadership Council, and developing classroom libraries.
“Literacy is a key priority at Regina Public Schools,” W.F. Ready School Principal Angie Balkwill said. “Our focus on increasing student literacy has been enhanced and deeply embedded throughout our school division by accessing both Saskatchewan Reads and Saskatchewan Reads for Administrators. At W.F. Ready School, we use these valuable resources to further support students, teachers, families, and school-based administrators in creating and sustaining literacy and a life-long love for reading.”
The Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN) is an important partner in providing literacy leadership in Saskatchewan. The SLN receives funding from the Government of Saskatchewan for a variety of programming including adult, community and family literacy programs.
“Strong literacy skills have positive outcomes for individuals at home, work, and in their communities,” Saskatchewan Literacy Network Interim Executive Director Andrea Fosseneuve said. “More than reading, writing and arithmetic, literacy is about continuous learning, life-wide learning, communication in society, and how we adapt to a changing world. Acknowledging the support of the provincial government, Literacy Day is our collective opportunity to increase awareness and highlight the tremendous benefits of literacy for everyone across Saskatchewan.”
International Literacy Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966 to promote international awareness and support of improved literacy. The theme of International Literacy Day 2016 is Reading the Past, Writing the Future.
For more information on the Government of Saskatchewan’s initiatives to improve literacy, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/literacy-in-saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506