Poetry lives in the heart and halls of Rockcliffe Park Public School. This enthusiasm for poetry intensified in January 2008 when JC Sulzenko, an Ottawa author of children’s poetry, arrived at Rockcliffe as its’ first Poet-in-Residence. This project, in conjunction with National Poetry Month, culminated with a published anthology of poetry entitled “The Backpack Poets of Rockcliffe Park.”

The poetry residency began with the teachers and staff. The passion RPPS teachers hold for instilling in their students the importance of the written word is a gift. They have inspired the children to embrace the creative process and express themselves, each in their own unique way. Every child is encouraged to find their voice through poetry as one of many meaningful and engaging forms of writing.

JC led eleven workshops with seven participating classes – more than 175 students exploring as JC explains, “what makes a poem a poem, from rhythm and rhyme to language and poetic shapes. I brought a backpack from which students could pick a subject for a poem, in case they needed a kick-start! Hence, the Backpack Poets!”

The children were inspired to write about their lives, their dreams and their innermost thoughts with confidence and a force and power beneath their words.

Next, each student had the opportunity to meet with JC outside the classroom and one-on-one, about poems they had written. “Some brought me one. Others, four or five. Over 88% came forward for such feedback.”

The third phase gave students time to complete their poems and to choose two for consideration for this anthology. The choice of what to submit was theirs alone. As editor, Ms. Sulzenko then chose a single poem from each child. This became one of the best kept secrets in the school’s recent history. With the launch of this book, now everyone can enjoy this professional publication printed by Dollco Publishing.

“We have delighted in watching our children, with the teachers’ encouragement and JC’s skillful guidance, thoughtfully pen their poems. They have recited them to each other in the halls of the school. Others, clutching the latest versions of their writings in hand, readied themselves to meet with JC to discuss revisions, reworks and final submissions,” recounts Alison Puddicombe, Parent Council President.

Rockcliffe Park is thrilled to launch its’ first book, “The Backpack Poets”, which is available for sale at Books on Beechwood and at book fair this fall. Each copy is $10 and the proceeds will be donated to also, a family literacy organization in Ottawa.