Our partnership with the Retired Teachers of Ontario District 11 has continued to grow over the past few years. Many of their members generously volunteer their time in our Letters, Sounds and Words program, and are incredibly passionate about ensuring young learners acquire essential reading skills. We can’t thank them enough for their kindness.
At the spring luncheon, Strong Start team members Machelle Denison, Executive Director, Colette Moffat, Director of Program, Leslie Tinning, Program Co-ordinator, Letters, Sounds and Words, and Christina Proctor, Development and Communications Officer had the opportunity to connect with members and share some additional information on our programs. Leslie Tinning spoke to the lasting impact the Letters, Sounds and Words program is having on children across Waterloo Region, while also sharing Xander’s story.
The Strong Start team were incredibly humbled by the $4,000.00 cheque provided in support of our programs, with a matching one promised from the provincial office of the Retired Teachers of Ontario. Every member also brought with them pencil crayons, Play-Doh, stickers, or crayons to give in-kind to our preschool program, Get Ready for School. These financial gifts and gifts in-kind will go a long way in helping children reach their potential by learning to read.
On behalf of all of us at Strong Start, our Board of Directors, and the children we serve, we extend a most sincere thank you to members of the Retired Teachers of Ontario and Retired Teachers of Ontario District 11.
If you are a teacher, school or board administrator, educational support staff or a college/ university faculty member who is retiring soon, you can learn more about their membership here.
Photo above: Machelle Denison, Executive Director accepts a cheque from David Cornwall, President of RTO District 11