In recognition of National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day last week, students and staff members took time to pause, remember, and reflect. Throughout the week, students engaged in learning about the importance of honouring those who have served and continue to serve during times of war, conflict, and peace.
Grade 10 students at Glebe Collegiate Institute spoke to the CBC about their work in uncovering the stories of the nursing sisters: young Canadian women who cared for wounded soldiers at the front lines during the First World War. This initiative is the latest chapter in the OCDSB’s Project True North, where high school students conduct historical research to become "custodians of a memory."
On November 8th, OCDSB schools shared a special announcement to share information about Indigenous Veterans Day and the experiences of Indigenous veterans.
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Grade 5 and 6 students at Mary Honeywell Elementary School participated in a presentation by Veterans Affairs Canada, where they had the opportunity to hear first-hand perspectives from three Indigenous veterans. They also participated in adaptive sports demonstrations, including adaptive curling and sitting volleyball. |
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On Remembrance Day, students from Osgoode Township High School attended the annual Operation Veteran event at the National War Museum, which brings together students from across the country to hear dignitaries, soldiers, and veterans share their stories. |
Lisgar Collegiate Institute students and staff put together a tribute to remember alumnus Pilot Officer David Rouleau, who perished in the Siege of Malta during WWII. They conducted research, recorded a musical tribute, and created an interactive showcase in the school’s memorial hall to share Pilot Officer Rouleau’s story.
Vimy Ridge Public School participated in the Canada-wide Operation Remembrance initiative. They joined students from the Netherlands for a moving video entitled “Honour Our Fallen”. The video included a look at the school’s Remembrance Day rock garden – an installation that features over 1,000 rocks which were hand-painted with poppy designs by the school community.
Here is a look at some more of the ceremonies, learning, and reflection that took place across the District last week: