I Love to Read week was celebrated at CFB Shilo’s O’Kelly School, where Lexi Mc Dougall, Kaleb Picklyk and AJ Penny turned a page to embrace the love and significance of reading on Feb. 12. (Photo: K-J MIllar/Shilo Stag News)
Shilo Stag Media
Pupils at E’cole O’Kelly School had a week of lettered learning filled with spirit day events expressing their love of reading from Feb. 10 to 14.
More than 153 students kicked off I Love to Read Week with an assembly where CFB Shilo’s Master Warrant Officer Adam Harris and Major Melissa Marshal read to a pyjama-clad troop of students on Monday
“O’Kelly Panthers love to read and special weeks like this allow our students to see how important the work they do at school learning how to read leads to beyond their classroom walls,” Tamara Hancock, learning support teacher said.
“I Love to Read Month” is a celebration of all things literary held to encourage the joy of reading and writing for school-aged youth.
The 2025 theme “Building Bridges” develops deeper connections within diverse communities while engaging with literacy in interactive ways.
“I Love to Read Week is a time to involve students in activities that promote and celebrate reading in their daily lives,” said Mrs. Fisher, an I Love to Read Week committee member.
Tuesday saw an identity photo guessing game and words on my shirt day. Fictional book characters were all over the school on Wednesday when students dressed as their favourite persona. Thursday saw a wave to the Military with Camo Day, and Friday was coloured with Valentine’s wishes.
“Reading is a life long skill, so we have guest readers show the students that reading is important for adults too,” Fisher said.
Throughout the week more than 12 guest readers met with students to express their affection for reading and the significance of it in their lives. Speakers included the CFB Shilo Military Police, the Fire Inspector, The Fringe, Cursed Coffee, staff from the Base library, a journalism editor from Shilo Stag News and a few members of the Brandon District School Board.
“Being able to have the community participate helps us see that reading is important to so many people. Reading is for everyone, every day,” Hancock said.