Cornwall Police Chief Visits Gladstone PS for Family Literacy Day

(Pictured above: Cornwall Chief of Police Dan Parkinson reads to students at Gladstone Public School on Family Literacy Day.)

(Cornwall) – Cornwall’s Chief of Police Dan Parkinson visited Gladstone Public School last Friday to help the school celebrate Family Literacy Day. 

Vice-Principal Joe Harty said Parkinson shared his thoughts on literacy, provided facts about the topic, and shared a quote from former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope,” Parkinson shared. 

He explained to the students that literacy is a very important part of his job, and the job that many police officers do to keep our city safe day and night. 

He went on to explain that literacy allows us to deal with information in many ways. No matter what students choose to do later on in life, there are certain literacy skills that they will need to have. 

Harty said that although the ice rain made for a much smaller audience, it also provided students with the opportunity to speak with Parkinson, and ask any questions they may have. 

Students were impressed with one answer when Parkinson explained that visiting children in schools and the community was his favourite part of his job.

“We really need to get to know you younger people so that we can better serve you in your community,” said Parkinson.  

Harty thanked Parkinson for coming and commented on how much the entire Gladstone community values this ongoing community partnership.

“We have always felt very lucky to have this positive partnership with Chief Parkinson and his staff, and we’re very thankful that they continue to support our literacy initiatives,” said Harty.

Posted: February 2, 2012