HIGHLIGHTS: A SMALL BOOK, A BIG VICTORY… ALL ARE WELCOME …SNOW DAY COMMUNICATION…NEW SCs (and more needed)...FAMILY LITERACY DAY…

A SMALL BOOK, A BIG VICTORY

Volunteer Novlette Fraser (SC, Crescent Town) shared this heartfelt message in an email and it highlights how small moments make volunteering so rewarding:

“On a side note, one of the students read his first book “Mat” from the Bob series. It was hard for him and took a while but he didn’t give up and finished. I was so proud of him I wanted to cry.” 

ALL ARE WELCOME

Lenora and Kristina really enjoyed seeing so many of you fully immersed in storybooks and phonics activities with your readers during recent school visits.  It’s wonderful to watch those connections in action!  The reviews are in and both volunteers and children are enjoying All Are Welcome.  Volunteer Dianne Wintermute (Parkdale) shared:

“It’s too bad you weren’t able to meet my last reader - she read “All Are Welcome” from start to finish. We talked about what the book meant to her, and she was so articulate!  Thank you for the book!”

(don’t worry schools in the North West you get your visits this week!)

SNOW DAY COMMUNICATION

Being a reading volunteer is a real commitment and your consistency means so much to the children.  Sometimes wild winter weather or unforeseen circumstances can prevent us from getting to the school.  If you find yourself unable to attend your reading shift at the last minute, please be sure to alert your reading partner and School Coordinator as early as you can.  If there are school closures due to inclement weather the TDSB landing page has information.  Chances are it will be very obvious like it was last Thursday! 

If your reading partner doesn’t show up: go ahead and collect one child as you would usually, try to read in the library or another open public area.  After you have finished your reading for the day please notify your School Coordinator.

VRP Volunteer Schedules are set up in advance but we know that appointments and plans can change.  If you are aware of a scheduling conflict ahead of time (for example, a pending appointment), please email the group to see if someone can cover for you.  The Volunteer Schedule includes reader contact information to make it easy for reading partners to communicate absences or delays – because life happens!  Please remember this information is for VRP use only and should not be shared outside of the program.

NEW SCs! (and more needed)

VRP is thrilled to welcome the following new volunteers to the special role of School Coordinator for their school.  Huge thank you to:  Barb Long (Vradenburg), Angie Heydon (Yorkwoods).   SCs are still needed for: Birch Cliff Heights, Danforth Gardens, Donwood Park, Derrydown, RH McGregor and Twentieth Street.  All volunteers are welcome to inquire!

FAMILY LITERACY DAY

Family Literacy Day takes place every January 27th to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities.  The Family Literacy Day 2026 Theme is Make mealtime family learning time.  Reading recipes, finding ingredients and telling stories are all part of literacy and learning.  Let us know if you were able to incorporate this theme into your VRP sessions.