Jam Jar Poets at Alta Vista Public School

June 13, 2006

Students in grades four, five and six have been inspired to write poetry. Michel Rene de Cotret is a grade four teacher at Alta Vista Public School and he coordinated the project that saw Ottawa poet and children's writer JC Sulzenko become the school's first Poet-in-Residence this winter. In February, she held poetry-writing workshops for all students in Grades four, five and six. To inspire young poets who did not yet have a subject for their poetry, JC offered a jam jar filled with suggestions. The Jam Jar Poets project was on its way!

Every student submitted three poems and one poem from each student was selected for inclusion in the book. Students also designed the cover and illustrations that were included in the book. Many of the students have continued to write poetry following the publication of the book.

The book is being sold at the school for $4.00. To date the school has raised $200.00. David, one on the students in Michel's class, suggested that the money that is raised from the sale of the book be used to purchase goats for families in Africa. David met with the school's Principal, Heather Graham, to research the idea. The school had been doing fundraising to support the families that had been affected by the tsunami and David thought that their 'book' money would be a good addition. At $50.00 a goat the students have raised enough money to buy 4 goats. (In total, fundraising efforts at Alta Vista PS raised enough money to buy 78 goats!)

The poetry is truly amazing and definitely a book worth purchasing! These students are making a difference!

JC Sulzenko can be contacted at www.bluepoodlebooks.ca and Michel at MichelRenedeCotret@ocdsb.ca.