Poetry Contest – Spring 2026
Hello, all poets and creative writers. We invite you to join in the fun!
To celebrate poetry month, we are running one of our most popular events… A Poetry Contest!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our K-12 Poetry Contest, coinciding with World Poetry Day!
Who May Join? This competition is open to HCOS & FLEX students in Grades K – 12.
Number of entries: Students may enter up to three (3) poems each.
Contest Dates: March 21st – April 30th, 2026. Be sure to get your submissions in on time!
Step 1: Write Your Poem!
What’s the Theme?
This year’s theme is “Generosity,” inviting students to explore what it means to give and receive in ways that build community and nurture the spirit. Generosity is about more than just giving; it’s about fostering a sense of community and assuming the best in others. Through your poems, we want you to reflect on:
- Personal experiences of generosity you’ve encountered
- Moments when you’ve shared with others
- Your vision of generosity in a perfect world
- God’s generosity to us vs. how you see generosity modelled in the world
Submission Guidelines
- Poem Length – Your poem can be any length, but no more than 300 words.
- Poetry Style – You can choose any style for your poem: rhyme, free verse, haiku, or even a form unique to you!
- Original Work – Remember, all poems must be original and created by you. No AI writing tools allowed!
- If you have any questions or issues, please contact the contest facilitators: HCOS – Erin Duncan eduncan@onlineschool.ca, Flex – Kelly Ruggles (kelly.ruggles@onlineschool.ca), or ask on LiveChat (Learning Commons).
Tips for Participants
- Find Inspiration: Look around you! Books, nature, and your own experiences can spark great ideas.
- Writing Tips: Spend some time brainstorming and refining your poem to make it truly shine.
- Encourage Creativity: We believe poetry is a beautiful way to express individuality and creativity. Don’t hesitate to share your unique voice. We can’t wait to see how you interpret the theme of generosity!
Step 2: Submit Your Poem On Padlet
Here is how to enter your poem on Padlet.
- Fine your grade range.
- Click the plus sign button under your grade range.
- Add your poem and fill in all required fields. If you want to remain anonymous, feel free to use a pseudonym.
- Engage with others! Comment on fellow entries and give stars.
Things to Know:
- Judging & Prizes Exciting prizes await! Winners will receive Amazon gift cards!
This contest will be judged by HCOS teachers. Winners will be announced in May. - Judging Criteria:
– Theme or message: Does it tell a story/narrative?
– Creative use of language
– Form and figurative language
– Does it showcase personality? - To view all of the poems, sign in to Padlet.
There are some wonderful poetry resources available in the Learning Commons! You can use these to have fun learning about poetry or to help you in writing poems of your own.
Physical Poetry Resources are available through the Search Portal.
Subscription Resources: The passwords to our subscriptions can be found on the Subscriptions page.
- Discovery Education – Poetry Content, Grades K-12
- Teaching Books – Resources and activities to go with poetry titles.
- World Book – Poetry Content World Book Kids (Gr.3-6), World Book Student (Gr. 5-9), and World Book Advanced (Gr. 6-9+) Search “Poetry”.
