May 5, 2009
Reading Rules at 2009 Silver Birch Conference
Nothing invigorates the mind quite like a good book. On Friday, May 8, more than 450 junior students from the District School Board of Niagara will gather to be inspired and share their love of reading at the annual Silver Birch Celebration of Student Literacy Conference.
The conference is the culminating event for students who have participated in the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Reading Program. The program aims to cultivate a love of reading in students, promote Canadian literature, encourage Canadian writing and the development of literacy skills.
At the conference, students will have the opportunity to read, write, laugh and get creative by participating in a whole host of literacy connection workshops. Students will explore their artistic talents in “Cartooning with Kevin”, devise innovative new dishes in “Calling all Chefs” and solve mysteries in “CSI It” to name a few.
The day will include keynote addresses from Matt Duggan, author of ‘The Royal Woods’ and
Kevin Sylvester, CBC Radio Broadcaster and author of ‘Gold Medal for Weird’. Sylvester’s books have been nominated for the 2009 Silver Birch Award. Ensuring that everyone goes home with a smile on their face, Bob Cates will round out the conference with a special comedy show that includes juggling and other interesting stunts.
DSBN Resource Teacher Kelly Diiorio says for many students, the conference is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. “Helping students achieve success in literacy is a core focus of the DSBN, and this conference is a fun and creative way to support students as they work on their reading and writing skills.”
Event Details:
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 8:00 a.m., Keynote addresses will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Where: Niagara College, Glendale Campus, 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake