HIGHLIGHTS: WELCOME DERRYDOWN…HOLIDAY CONVERSATION STARTERS…WINTER TERM SCHEDULES…News Flash from Lenora: VRP BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

WELCOME DERRYDOWN

We are delighted to share some wonderful news!  Last spring Vice Principal Mihaela Avram at Derrydown PS reached out through our website.  Since then she and her team have worked very hard promoting VRP to their school community.  Thanks to their enthusiasm and hard work VRP is now officially launched at Derrydown (DD)!  They kicked off this week with two days, will read next week and are gearing up for a full volunteer schedule in January.  Incredibly this new partnership blossomed thanks to retired Principal Fiona Bennett who brought VRP to Yorkwoods, Calico, Gosford and was instrumental in the implementation of Virtual VRP in Learning Centre 3 during the pandemic.  We are so grateful for her continued advocacy.  Here’s to new beginnings and many happy reading moments ahead at Derrydown!

HOLIDAY CONVERSATION STARTERS

VRP is growing and so many of our newest volunteers come to us through your referrals.  We can’t thank you enough!   What better time to share your volunteer pride than during the holiday season?  At your next holiday gathering consider sharing a little story about your most recent reading adventure (no student names please!) or about the wonderful school where you volunteer.  You are making a tremendous impact and should feel proud of the difference you make.  So, spread the word to friends, family and fellow revelers – you never know, you might inspire the perfect new volunteer.

WINTER TERM VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

Most Volunteer Schedules (VS) will be posted on the website later today.  Reading begins as of Monday, January 5 and goes until Friday, March 13.  After March Break the Spring Term runs through May.  Reading teams at each school have been really good about keeping in touch with each other and their SC this term so please keep it up! 

NEWS Flash from Lenora [Founder and Executive Director] BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

VRP Board welcomed Garry Beirne as a Director in October.  You might already know Garry as School Coordinator for a team of 8 Volunteers at Parkdale.  But you may not be aware that Garry inspired, researched, developed and launched our beautiful new website this past Spring.  With a history of leadership in the Technology Industry (especially in software development), he brings essential business and technology skills and insights to VRP.  His collaborative approach to challenges will contribute greatly to continuing VRP growth and success.