Catholic teachers recognize talented young authors
June 18 2024 - 4:33PM
Forty-six students in publicly funded Catholic schools across
Ontario, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, have been recognized
by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) for
excellence in writing. The Young Authors Awards/Prix jeunes
écrivains acknowledge English and French writing in categories
ranging from poetry and short stories, to plays and
non-fiction. This year marks the 39th year in which Catholic
teachers have supported and celebrated student writing and
achievement through the awards program.
“The Young Authors Awards/Prix jeunes écrivains are a
celebration of the exceptional spirit and accomplishments of
students and teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded Catholic
schools, showcasing the high caliber of writing and critical
thinking happening in our classrooms,” says OECTA President René
Jansen in de Wal.
“The diversity of topics, perspectives, and styles are amazing
to read, and speak to the skills and values that Catholic teachers
strive to nurture in our students. The range of subjects students
choose to write about, and the passion and imagination they display
in their work, are nothing short of incredible.”
This year’s winners were selected from the 238 entries elevated
for consideration at the provincial level, out of the thousands of
entries from students that participate locally.
Some of the winning entries for 2024 include:
Respect (Kindergarten) – an acrostic poem about the
themes, values, and actions that define “respect.”
L'égalité (Grades 1 to 2) – a French, non-fiction entry
about how we must treat everyone the same and accept people as they
are.
Nothing to Say (Grades 5 to 6) – a short story about a
girl starting Grade 5 and her new friendship with a girl who uses a
speech-generating device to help her communicate.
Emmy for Class President (Grades 9 to 10) – a humorous
play about a girl who accidentally gives her off-kilter speech for
class president at the wrong place and time.
The complete list of the 2024 winners and a booklet with all of
the winning entries is available HERE.
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OECTA represents the 45,000 passionate and qualified teachers in
Ontario’s publicly funded English Catholic schools, from
Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Michelle Despault, Director of Member Communications and Public Affairs
Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association
416-925-2493 x 509
m.despault@catholicteachers.ca