Celebrating Stories: I Love to Read and Black History Month Unite Winnipeg Schools

February brings two important celebrations to Winnipeg School Division classrooms. ‘I Love to Read’ and Black History share the spotlight this month. Together, they create powerful learning opportunities for students across WSD schools.  

"We celebrated I Love to Read and Black History this month with the theme: 'The stories that bring us together,'" said Pinkham School Principal Mercy Sackey. "This theme helps readers feel connected to the world around them by sharing stories." 

Throughout February, the school hosted numerous activities, including a special kick-off assembly featuring percussionist Jay Stroller. Students also enjoyed visits from community leaders, including storytelling sessions, book readings, and cultural workshops. 

"We were thrilled to have many guest readers, including Councillor Markus Chambers, Vivian Santos, Principal Wayne Wyke, grandparents and parents," Sackey added. "We thank them for honouring our invitations and sharing their stories with us." 

Winnipeg City Councillor Markus Chambers emphasized the value of #ILoveToRead and Black History Month. 

"It's all about education and inspiring young children," Chambers said. "Months like this are very important to connect with kids meaningfully and inspire them." 

Chambers made time for school visits despite his busy schedule on council. He believes in supporting local Black authors during these special months. 

Cultural Connections Through Reading  

At Meadows West School, students received a unique visitor who connected reading with cultural identity. This visit highlighted how stories can strengthen personal and cultural pride. 

"It was a true honour to have WSD Kookum, Marsha Missyabit, visit Meadows West" said Karen Litke, Meadows West library technician. "Kookum Marsha engaged with students from Grades 2 to 6." 

During her visit, Kookum Marsha shared personal stories from her childhood and showed students photographs from Dog Creek (Lake Manitoba First Nation).  

The visit also included cultural teachings about eagle feathers and the medicine wheel. She read Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds.  
 
"She wove powerful connections between each page and the students in the room." Litke explained. "She reminded everyone of the importance of staying true to oneself. She emphasized the value of cultural identity." 

The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and build relationships. Kookum Marsha's willingness to connect personally with students made the experience memorable. 

"Staff and students were deeply captivated by her message," Litke noted. "It's easy to see why her spirit name is Strong Walking Woman." 

The visit achieved multiple educational goals by combining cultural teachings with literacy. 
 
Reading With Leaders  

Winnipeg School Division superintendent Matt Henderson also visited many WSD schools to read to students. At Ecole George V School, he shared three fantastic books with eager listeners: We Need Everyone, Something Someday, and Cookie The Walker. 

After finishing We Need Everyone, written by local Indigenous advocate Michael Redhead Champagne, the students shared their unique talents and career plans with the superintendent. Students also lined up to get his autograph.  

Reading sessions at Carpathia, Kent Road, and Sargent Park Schools created lasting connections between students and stories. They showed how books bring people together, and teachers noticed how these events spark excitement about reading. 

Community Involvement 

Community involvement strengthens both celebrations throughout Winnipeg School Division. Guest readers from different backgrounds share diverse perspectives. Family members, elected officials, and community leaders participate, demonstrating the collective effort to promote reading and cultural awareness. 

February’s ‘I Love to Read’ guides students learn about history, different cultures, and each other. Teachers are also using creative methods to make reading fun such as book clubs, reading challenges, and author studies keep students engaged. 

Parents also play a key role in building reading habits at home. WSD encourages families to read together for 15 minutes every day. 

Most importantly, reading builds confidence. As #ILoveToRead Month continues, students across Winnipeg School Division are building habits that will last a lifetime. Each book opens a new door to learning and imagination.