(Fort McMurray, AB, June 27, 2022) The love of reading is one that is a gift. Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) is grateful to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, which recently selected Fort McMurray Composite High School for a gift of $30,000 through their literacy grant. The school is one of only 31 in Canada, and one of only two in Alberta to be selected.
“The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation exists to provide Canadian children in need with access to relevant, diverse, and high-interest books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading,” as per the official website.
Following the 100-year flood in 2020, which impacted Composite High significantly, the school library was in need to replace much of the lost reading material.
“Our English Teacher, Colleen Schaffner, Educational Assistant, Leona Gillies, ELL Teacher Crystal Perry, Finance Secretary, Amber Macintosh Wilson and the Librarian, Michelle Furtado were exploring grant options. Multiple staff members wrote letters and an extensive grant application was submitted to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation,” explains Danny Tulk, Principal, Composite High School.
The school was shortlisted in May, which was followed by an interview. Then came the recent news of $30,000 over 3 years to assist in junior high reading materials bolstering the school's literacy support.
"We are so thankful for this wonderful grant from Indigo. We greatly appreciate the support for our school. The dedication by the Fort McMurray Composite High School staff in pursuing this grant goes to show the exemplary team we have and their remarkable dedication in finding ways to improve our school and, most importantly, help our students. I am so proud of this team and their continued passion for learning. Go Miners!”
“The immediate plans are to enhance the library reading materials for students to engage their love of reading, the funds will also be utilized to facilitate the building of inclusive classroom libraries to accommodate our diverse population and English language learner students,” Tulk enthused.
"This is an amazing opportunity for our school. As the Composite Librarian, I see the needs and desire for our students to have access to the books they want to read. The library is the heart of our school and this will ensure we are able to offer cultural, language, and diverse materials for our students. I am so pleased we are a recipient and can't wait to continue to foster the love of reading at Fort McMurray Composite High School,” noted Michelle Furtado.
Congratulations all!
For more information, please contact:
Kiran Malik-Khan
Communications Consultant, FMPSD
kiran.malikkhan@fmpsd.ab.ca