YORKTON – St. Michael's Elementary hosted its annual Family Literacy Night, the culmination of their month-long literacy project, One School, One Book, the evening of Jan. 28.
This year, the chosen book was E.B. White's classic "Charlotte's Web." Throughout the month, families participated in daily reading activities at home, alongside engaging in-school contests designed to promote literacy. Students had the chance to enter these contests, with daily questions and opportunities to win prizes.
Principal Steven Boucher emphasized the importance of involving both parents and children in literacy activities, noting that the event has received a huge response every year since its inception.
"We're averaging about 450-500 respondents every year," said Boucher, adding "it's very impactful because we have so many families out tonight. They want their kids engaged. We know that reading helps with development, academic growth, and word knowledge."
The evening's festivities included five interactive stations, all themed around "Charlotte's Web." Families rotated through activities such as traditional fair games like egg tossing and bean bag toss, a haystack search for Templeton the rat, a trivia station, and enjoyed county fair treats like corn dogs and cotton candy.
"This is our third year doing this, and every year we are getting a huge response," said Boucher, "it's literally like you're going through a carnival tonight, and that's what is so cool—this is literacy in action."
The event coincided with Family Literacy Day, proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Literacy Network and Family Literacy Hubs. January 25-31, 2025, was designated as Family Literacy Week, underscoring the importance of literacy starting at home.
Boucher expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the school's staff and the core organizing team, led by Tammie Latimer.
"The work that the core team does is incredible. This is months and months of organizing for one night," said Boucher. "The staff are on board. We don't complain about stuff like this. This is awesome."
"To promote literacy not only through the week but through the whole month really engages our learners," noted Boucher, "we're just trying to make it fun so that everyone is interested in doing this."
