A look back on some of the EMSB School Activities for Remembrance Day
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Interactive Museum Exhibition
In the spirit of providing a unique learning opportunity for Remembrance Day, students from Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, Nesbitt Elementary School, Pierre de Coubertin Elementary, LINKS High School, and Perspectives I and II High School took part in the first-ever interactive museum exhibition, coordinated in collaboration with Marina Smyth, Project Manager from Je Me Souviens Organization and Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator Vince Lacroce. This portable Remembrance Day Museum, designed to educate and inspire students, featured several impactful exhibitions highlighting Canada's military history. Students had the opportunity to explore exhibitions such as Regiments on the Ridge (Vimy), They Cared: Nursing Sisters of WWI, “ Impossible Odds: The Battle of Hong Kong, Courage in Chaos: The Dieppe Story, Through Mines and Vines: Canada and the Italian Campaign, When Daylight Comes: Canadians in Normandy, and Remembering Afghanistan: Reflections of Canadian Soldiers. The exhibition offers more than just historical facts. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, multimedia visuals, and authentic uniforms, students will engage with Canadian history on a personal level. Each exhibition will culminate in a powerful testimonial from a member of the Canadian Forces, giving students a firsthand perspective on the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served. Je Me Souviens (JMS) is a Canada Company education program created in collaboration with the Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) Foundation and le Royal 22ieme Regiment (R22eR). JMS provides free teaching materials to supplement the new Quebec history curriculum to help students gain a greater knowledge of Quebec’s role in military conflicts throughout the last 100+ years, and ultimately to help them understand the long-term impacts of war upon all facets of our peaceful society. The exhibition will highlight the paths of several Canadian heroes through Sicily and up the Italian mainland as they battled back against the Germans from 1943 to 1945. The exhibition also looks at the impact of the war on the Italian community in Canada. A special thank you to Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Dion, Sgt. Eric Washburn from the Canadian Grenadier Guards, and Major Warren Lambie Chef de Cabinet, 2e Div CA / FOI (Est).
Remembrance Day “Wall of Honour”
During the month of October and November, students from Nesbitt Elementary, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, and Pierre de Coubertin Elementary have been working on a Remembrance Day project called The “Wall of Honour.” The program was developed by Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator Vince Lacroce, Leonardo Da Vinci Daycare Educator Stellana Romeo and the LDVA Community Art Club, Pierre de Coubertin Daycare Technician Elena Lato-Difranco and Nesbitt Daycare Technician Maria Santino. “The Wall of Honour” was designed to foster a sense of history, respect, and connection to those who have served in times of conflict, both locally and abroad. The project allowed students to honour family members who have served in the military or other capacities during times of war by collecting photographs of their family members and providing a brief description of the conflict or peacekeeping mission they were involved in. The “Wall of Honour” will remain in a prominent area of the school until the end of November.
Curtain of Poppies at Nesbitt
Nesbitt Elementary chose to showcase poppies in a unique way ahead of Remembrance Day. A breathtaking "Curtain of Remembrance Day Poppies" was unveiled at the school's main entrance. The project, involving the creative efforts of every student, paid tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans and serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance The initiative was spearheaded by Matthew Balanca-Rodrigues, Art Specialist, in collaboration with Vince Lacroce, Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator. Their goal was to engage students in a meaningful, hands-on activity that would help them understand the significance of Remembrance Day while fostering a sense of community. Each child at Nesbitt Elementary contributed to the stunning display by crafting their poppy, which has been carefully placed to form a vibrant and emotional curtain at the school's entrance. The display symbolizes unity and collective memory, with every poppy representing the unique role played by the men and women who have served in Canadian armed forces across generations. "The Curtain of Poppies serves as a visual reminder of the importance of remembrance and gratitude," said Mr. Balanca-Rodrigues. “It's incredibly moving to see the entire student body come together for such a significant cause."
Added Mr. Lacroce: “This project not only highlights the importance of Remembrance Day but also allows our students to engage in meaningful community involvement. It’s a tangible way for them to honour veterans and reflect on the values of peace and freedom."
The poppy curtain will remain on display throughout November, inviting students, staff, and the local community to take a moment to reflect on the contributions of veterans and the ongoing importance of peace in the world. The "Curtain of Remembrance Day Poppies” will be donated and delivered to Ste. Anne’s Veterans Hospital in the West Island by Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Dion.
Remembrance Day: Reflecting on the Past, Present, and Future
Thanks to the support of school administrators, staff, students, and communities, Edward Murphy School, East Hill School, Pierre Elliott Trudeau School, Sinclair Laird School, and St. Raphael School, marked this year's Remembrance Day by honouring veterans, current Canadian Forces Members, and peacekeepers. Ceremonies and activities entitled “Remembrance: The Past, Present, and Future - A lasting Peace,” were held during Remembrance Week in all five schools. During these events, schools commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Italian Campaign and D-Day, the 100th anniversary of the RCAF, and the 75th anniversary of UN Peace Keeping missions abroad.
Canadian Forces Members, veterans (from peacekeeping missions and school communities), and an alumnus from Edward Murphy School, Lieutenant Del Basso, were in attendance to commemorate the three generations of Canadians who took part in the 20th and 21st century missions. Students observed two minutes of silence that were proceeded and followed by a bugler and bagpiper and placed class-made wreaths and artwork at the base of the table of honour. During the ceremony students read traditional poems like “Au champ d'honneur,” “For the Fallen,” and “Peacekeeper,” and shared many of their own reflections about peace. In addition, they got to meet and thank the guests for their service. Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator Rocco Speranza, who organized the ceremonies, noted that making these art works, wreaths, writing postcards for peace, writing and reading personal reflections for peace, and meeting the veterans are all ways for students to connect to the past, remember the sacrifices made by many in the name of peace, freedom, and democracy, and for them to work towards, unity and acceptance for present and future generations.
This year marked Mr. Speranza’s 20th consecutive year of Remembrance Day assemblies at Edward Murphy and East Hill. LEST WE FORGET
St. Raphael Students honour thousands of veterans ahead of Remembrance Day
"They are excited to meet some of their heroes," said Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator Rocco Speranza as Montreal students paid homage to thousands of veterans at the National Field of Honour ahead of Remembrance Day.
A group of students and staff from St. Raphael School visited the Field of Honour on November 8, in order to pay homage to the over 17,000 veterans who are laid to rest there. It was part of the annual No Stone Left Alone event that leads up to Remembrance Day.
This is a very nice experience, said Grade 6 student, Mavin Charlemagne. “ know a lot of people worked hard you know just being in the military to keep us free and to have peace,” he said.
The youth lay wreaths, read reflections and placed poppies on the stones to ensure the veterans are not forgotten.” I think it’s very important,” added Maven. “Because when you get older, nobody really teaches you about these things anymore so it’s very easy to forget. But when you’re younger, he added. “And you’re learning it in school it becomes like a habit. Our teachers and Mr. Rocco aid us to remember and honour our veterans and Canadian Forces members.”
And that’s the goal of the initiative – to remember our nation’s heroe, said Mr. Speranza. “They’re really excited to meet some of the CF heroes- Veterans because when we speak about them in class, and do the research students absorb the knowledge in 2D, but when you actually see, the stones at the cemetery and hear their story as told by Veteran Lech, Ed, Mario.... then it is real and tangible ”
See this wonderful report on CityNews Montreal
Three Assemblies
On Nov. 7 Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent had three Remembrance Assemblies, with a wide spread of activities and lessons that ranged from inspirational talks to a demo of military physical training and march, to a fun music lesson.
Cycles 2 and 3 had a chance to hear from Sergeant Major Robbin McIntyre of 43 years service, shared about the importance of resiliency and strong will; he encouraged others to get up, in any situation. Captain Rafael Bernier offered a few exercises of basic training with some students - they all did push-ups and squats and demonstrated a traditional march to his commanding officer (in this case, was a student representing the official).
The Pre-K to Grades 2, learned from the bugler Daniella Carbert and snare drummer Paulo Riccardo about the two instruments, that are traditionally played in a Remembrance Ceremony. Stated PDCIA Ms. Choy: " The students were great troopers - fully enthused to listen, and ready to take on what the soldier and musicians offered. It was a Remembrance of honor with a big dose of learning and a dash of fun! and most likely, well remembered. We also had a wreath ceremony, and Oh Canada sung by the students, with the bugler and snare drummer accompaniment."
Dunrae Gardens
On November 4 Dunrae Gardens Elementary School in TMR had their Remembrance Day Assembly. They had two students reading poems about the struggles soldiers faced and the importance of honor. This was followed by a ceremony with wreathes, the singing of the national anthem, a minute of silence, and music by the Piper.
PDCIA Puynung Choy said: "In the last four years, it has been tradition at Dunrae Gardens to hold an inclusive Remembrance Day ceremony which includes, not only the soldiers and piper, but those who play a key role in our community, our police and security. In past years, we have had an indigenous educator and student's military families, and this year, included a women Canadian soldier."
Special guests were: Lieutenant Daniel Lepore, Security officer TMR; Piper Andrew Walsh; Sergeant Major Robbin McIntyre from 34 Combat Engineer Regiment; and Cpl Joelle Carignan from Transport Régiment de Maisonneuve, 34e Groupe-Brigade du Canada.
MacKay and Philip E. Layton
On November 8, MacKay Centre and Philip E. Layton in NDG the schools performed their own annual traditions, with the wreath ceremony in the assembly. Earlier, the drummer and bugler opened up the assembly, with the Twinkle Twinkle song that the students could sing along, which led to the stars, nature and land Indigenous acknowledgements; and for the given assembly, the stars represented the soldiers who had passed. The assembly featured two guests with vastly differed military experience in terms of duration. The schools received Retired Sergeant Major Robbin McIntyre of 43 years of service and 2nd Lieutenant Eric Marcil who has one year of experience. Mr. McIntyre was also a champion boxer in Canada, whereas his father was 3rd top in the world. "Through both presentations, the students learned about the military life, and even performed a 20 second physical training with Mr. Marcil, though many many more wanted to join in. It was a cute introduction to learning about the Canadian Forces... and hopefully, there will be many more," said PDCIA Ms. Choy.
Coronation School
On November 5, Coronation Elementary School's Remembrance Assembly received three soldiers: Sergeant Major McIntyre, Major Rabbat, along with Piper Major Stevens.
Flander's Fields was read by Major Christopher Rabbat, who later shared that he visited that burial in Belgium. He highlighted the importance of this soldier who had some commonality with our Canadian soldiers. Sergeant Major McIntyre did a show and tell about his gear, which included a vest, helmet and nets. He also showed the foods that the military would eat. "Before the guests presented, in their honor, the students and staff had shown their gratitude with the wreath ceremony - pinned the poppy onto the wreath, a minute of silence, piping service and the school singing, the national anthem. It was nice to receive the two soldiers, and what a coincidence, that these men knew each other years ago ...Retired Mr. McIntyre was Mr. Rabbat's Colonel," said Ms. Choy.
LaurenHill French Poetry
As part of their French class at LaurenHill Academy, students were asked to write a poem dedicated to Canadian soldiers in honor of Remembrance Day. “We’re proud to share that two of these poems were selected as featured messages on the Canadian Army’s website,” said Principal Carmen Nicolas.
Here they are below:
Lumières dans l'ombre
Les anges de notre humanité,
Qui nous protègent sans se plaindre.
Les familles attendent des lettres de guerre.
En mémoire toujours, jamais oublié.
Pour nous, l'effort que vous faites;
Pour nous, vous êtes les distingués.
Sur les champs bataille, des rêves qui naissent;
Les honorer, c'est notre projet.
L'homme, la femme et tous autour,
Vous inspirez jour à jour.
Soit des victoires ou une prière en larmes,
Le héros prend comme vous la forme.
Les yeux de feu, la passion éclatante;
La visage sombre du ciel en noir et blanc.
Un cri angoissant qui retentit, on dit s'il vous plaît :
« Votre courage nous l'avons tant aimé. »
Les anges de notre humanité.
-Sabah
La beauté de se souvenir
Les soldats sont décédés pour notre survivance
En sacrifiant leur adolescence
«Nous sommes morts», écrit John McCrae
Quel acte désintéressé
On espère que Dieu nous laisse les remercier.
On porte le drapeau jusqu'au ciel
Dans l'espoir qu'il touche leurs ailes
Et l'enroule autour d'eux pour leur donner tout un câlin
Autant serré
Dans l'espoir qu'ils arrêtent finalement de saigner
Pour qu'ils inhalent notre fierté
Et expire du soulagement.
Le jour qu'on se souvient de leurs souffrances
Il devient de plus en plus difficile de respirer
Alors que la chambre commence à se remplir avec leurs âmes
Plus tard, remplissant nos cœurs.
-Rebecca E.
