Wickwire students start February ‘blitz’

Principal Misty Nauss and Vice Principal Terry Stewart explained to the strangers they were actually in Nova Scotia.

The skit helped to kick off two campaigns at Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy taking place throughout February.

Teachers Annette Burke and Lynnette Kean played sisters from the book “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” while Queens RCMP Const. Grant Webber played the lion.

For a second year in a row they have expanded their Good News Positive Participation Program with “Go for the Gold February Blitz.”

The program is part of the Positive Effective Behaviour Supports (PEBS) program.

PEBS started in 2005 for disciplinary practices. Staff rewards positive behaviour with a gold ticket.

Students then put their ticket into a ballot box for a chance to win daily prizes throughout February.

The Good News Positive Participation Program runs throughout the year with white ballots.

Normally students win prizes at the end of each month. “The children are very excited about having it again,” Burke commented.

With a great community at the school anyways, Burke believes students will make a more conscious effort to do something nice for someone while Go for the Gold February Blitz takes place.

The assembly kicked off the “One School, One Book” campaign as well.

Teacher Lynette Kean, who is also “literacy mentor for the board,” came across this idea last summer, explained Burke.

She applied for a program development grant from the union to cover costs.

Other donations came from the Kinsmen, the Liverpool Regional High School Retired Teacher’s Group and the I.O.D.E, said Burke. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” will be read by students, staff as well as others.”

The school bought 430 books and each student is required to read a chapter a night.

Burke said family members can help students read the book at home.

Each morning students will answer a trivia question.

Students will place their answers in a box for a chance to win a free book. “The most important thing you can do in school is learn how to read,” said Region of Queens Municipality Mayor John Leefe to the assembly of students.

Queens MLA Vicki Conrad vowed to read the book as well saying this program is really exciting for the school.

The school has a few more activities taking place throughout February.

This includes a three-day food bank drive around Valentine’s Day, said Burke.

A family movie night takes place Feb. 14.

An Olympic athlete is visiting the school on Feb. 11.