Writers in Schools Program

Grade 7 students received a rare treat when Mr. Patrick Ledwell came to visit
this week - because he is not only an Island author and comedian, but a filmmaker as well; and
he shared with Ms. Squire's Language Arts students the unique experience of
telling stories and communicating with an audience through the medium of film.
We are exceptionally pleased and excited to have provided this opportunity and
special presentation for students. They were engaged, enthralled, and
inspired! Thank you Patrick, the PEI Writers Guild, and the Cultural Development Program of the PEI Department of Community
and Cultural Affairs.
The Magic Within

“The Magic Within” was sponsored by the PEI Department of Health Youth
Addictions. The interactive “magic show”, presented by Mr. Gary Sommers, a
retired teacher from Newfoundland, delivered a powerful message to our students
about alcohol, drug, and gambling addictions. Thank you to Jennifer
Cairns-Burke, RCMP Corporal Reg Campbell, Vice-principal KJ White, and Mr.
Murray MacInnis, Birchwood Guidance Dept. who organized and coordinated this
special event for our students.
October
Read Fest!

A very special thank you to Matt Rainnie from CBC, Island authors Larry
Retnitsky and Jane Ledwell, Island author and publisher Laurie Brinklow, the
Rocket players, and UPEI Panthers hockey players for coming to Birchwood
to celebrate their love for reading and promoting literacy while engaging
our students and staff in the Million Minute Challenge.
Special Guests
Throughout the year we have many special guests visit us at school and we
receive many positive emails from around the world with comments and suggestions
for our site. We would like to thank everyone who visits with us. A special
guest or guests will be featured on this page. See below.
Black History Month Celebrations

On February 19th from 1:00 - 2:30 Black History Month Celebrations were held at
Birchwood Intermediate School Library Resource Center. The film "Journey to
Justice" was shown followed by a terrific presentation by Sarah, who is a descendent of the Sheppard family from
Cardigan. Thank you to Amanda Campbell, Donna Casford, and Frances Connell for
organizing this event. Thank you to Jo-Anne White for her assistance as well.
Black History Month, which has been celebrated in Canada since the 1960s and
officially recognized by Canadian Parliament in 1995, provides an opportunity to
commemorate the many contributions which Canadians of African descent have made
to the growth and development of Canada. It is also a time to celebrate our
diversity and our respect for Canadians of all backgrounds.
Visit Canadian Heritage's "Black
History Month" for additional information.
The Tankard Trophy at Birchwood


The Tankard Trophy, which is the top prize of the Mens' National Curling
Championship, known as The Tim Hortons Brier, made a special appearance and
visited Ms. Reid's 7-4
classroom on February 13. We would like to thank Bill Tschirhart for his
informative and enthusiastic presentation to the students and David Kassner, who
is the the manager of the Charlottetown Curling Club, who organized this special
visit. Best of luck to PEI Team Gallant - Curl your way to the top!
Go Team Gallant from Birchwood!
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