Nancy Drew came to Innisfail and the RCMP weren't called to collaborate on her investigation.
And there were more celebrities in on the action, including Sherlock Holmes, Peter Pan, Pippi Longstocking, Mrs Frizzle, Geronimo Stilton, the Giant Peach, the Minions, unicorns, cowgirls, Hot Wheels cars, the man with the yellow hat (from the Curious George books), a paper bag princess, Harry Potter, and sensei woo (from the Ninjaga series).
All these characters, in full costume, were celebrating National Literacy Day on Jan. 27 at Chinook Center School. The young students from kindergarten to Grade 4 were accompanied by their parents and teachers.
ìEvery year we do something for national literacy day,î said Patty Hollman, a Grade 1 teacher. ìThis year, we decided to go all out, and have every child and family participate.î
According to Hollman, every child dressed up for the event.
ìFor me as a teacher that is a big success,î said Hollman. ìIt means that during the month every family got together and talked about literacy. The kids made their own costumes and many parents showed up today to read with or to their kids.î
The room was abuzz with activity and the sounds of literacy.
ìI am amazed at this day, and just love seeing kids so enthusiastic,î said mom Ley-Anne Mountain. ìMy older girl is not part of this school anymore but still wanted to come to participate.î
As parents walked around and interacted with the children, onlookers could hear phrases like, ìAren't you Pippi Longstocking?î or ìI loved Curious George as a child,î or ìHave you read all the Harry Potter books yet?î
In the corner, Hollman smiled as the fruits of a month-long campaign by teachers and parents blossomed in front of her.
ìMy heart is beeping right now,î she said, as she moved to meet another proud parent. ìThis is what makes being a teacher worthwhile.î
