Renée Watson, bestselling author spoke to CAISL students. The secondary International Relations, TOK and Psychology classes enjoyed a panel discussion hosted by Emily A, Francisca H and Lina E. Renee won from her work and answered questions from the students. She encouraged students to build community by getting to know one another. Ella P commented, “She spoke directly to each of us and looked us in the eye. It was one of the best speakers I have heard at CAISL” The author encouraged students to use art as a way to promote social justice. She urged our students to dream big and achieve great. “You have to believe you are worthy of love, of happiness. That you are worthy of your wildest dreams coming true.”
In the grade 1-6 assembly, she read a poem and an excerpt from a Ryan Hart novel, Ways to Make Sunshine. She reminisced about Ramona, by Beverly Cleary and wanting to see book covers with girls who looked like her.
She encouraged our students to write poetry and stories and to be strong readers. She closed the assembly asking the students to chant with her:
“I have a voice.”
“My voice is powerful.”
“My voice can change the world.”
(Text by Ms. Eileen)