Trafalgar School for Girls

2008 was Trafalgar's second annual "Traf Reads." Students and staff alike all read a student-selected novel over the course of the summer. The choice was the novel The Secret Under my Skin by Canadian author Janet McNaughton.

The return to school in September saw various activities by the Committee and the student body. A bulletin board display was created by students for Open House. The presentation included maps of Gros Morne and other Newfoundland landmarks (the Tablelands) drawn upon by the author for her novel. Creative writing work from English classes was also part of the exhibit. During Assembly the week of October 13, the committee presented a video of interviews of student, staff, and teacher reactions to the book. There was a contest among Advisory groups for the best cover design. The covers reflected the themes of the novel and were multi-dimensional. October 21, the school held a "Free Dress Fundraiser" in support of the David Suzuki Foundation and raised $450.00. The novel is being used as a springboard for English classes to open discussion about universal themes and literary analysis and science classes will also be making connections to the novel.

Celebrations culminated with Janet McNaughton visiting the school on Thursday, October 30th, 2008. She spoke about her novel as well as about her experience as a writer. The talk was followed by a question period and book signing session.