EMSB schools marked Remembrance Day throughout November
Montreal, December 1, 2025 – During the month of November, Youth and Adult Sector schools across the EMSB engaged in powerful acts of remembrance through ceremonies, classroom initiatives, and community collaborations. Below is a recap of the events that honoured the sacrifices of those who served.
Here is a look at some of those activities.
Elizabeth Ballantyne and Edinburgh Elementary Schools: Roots of Remembrance Community Walk
Grades 5 and 6 students from Elizabeth Ballantyne and Edinburgh Elementary Schools in Montreal West participated in the Roots of Remembrance Community Walk, organized by PDCIA Jag Trehin as part of Veterans’ Week programming in Montreal West. Guided by historian Dr. Drummond, students walked through the town, stopping at former homes of local fallen soldiers. Through stories, letters, and historical context, students connected deeply with the lives of young men who once lived, studied, and played in their own community. The initiative helped students link local history to real human stories, fostering reflection, empathy, and a deeper understanding of sacrifice, service, and Montreal West’s role in Canada’s military history.
Royal West Academy Traveling Remembrance Exhibit
Royal West Academy in Montreal West hosted the traveling exhibit Impossible Odds: Canadians and the Battle of Hong Kong, presented by the Royal Montreal Regiment Foundation (Je Me Souviens). Organized by PDCIA Jag Trehin, the exhibit explored Canada’s first land battle of World War II and its lasting impact on both soldiers and families at home. Students engaged through guided tours, storytelling, historical artifacts, and interactive content. The exhibition deepened students’ understanding of WWII, military service, and the consequences of war while linking global events to Canadian and Quebec history, offering a powerful, immersive educational experience across multiple grade levels.
Montreal West Community Remembrance Ceremony
Students from Royal West Academy as well as Elizabeth Ballantyne and Edinburgh Elementary schools came together for a community remembrance ceremony at the Montreal West Monument. Organized by PDCIA Jag Trehin, the event included Canadian Armed Forces representatives, the HMCS Donnacona Band, a ceremonial piper, student musicians, and poetry readings by students. The ceremony honored local veterans and fallen soldiers, emphasizing intergenerational connections and collective remembrance. Through music, storytelling, and reflection, students and community members gathered to recognize sacrifice, strengthen community bonds, and preserve the legacy of those who served.
LINKS High School
Remembrance Day Museum: Vimy Ridge & Canadian Military History Exhibit
Honore Mercier Elementary School; Canadian Armed Forces Visit
Students at Honore Mercier Elementary School in St. Leonard welcomed two members of the Canadian Armed Forces: Lieutenant Steven Lessard and Corporal Youssef Zitouni. The soldiers spoke about military life, discipline, teamwork, and service, while also highlighting values such as respect and perseverance. Students engaged through questions and a short demonstration of basic drills and exercises. The visit reinforced lessons on citizenship, gratitude, and community service, providing students with direct exposure to modern military roles and helping connect classroom learning with real-life experiences of service and leadership.
Carlyle International Elementary School Remembrance Ceremony
Carlyle International Elementary School in TMR hosted a Remembrance Day ceremony for Grades 4 to 6, organized by PDCIAs Vince Lacroce and Veronica D’Agata. Students reflected on the significance of November 11 and the values of courage, compassion, and resilience. The event featured guest speaker Bombardier A. Fong of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, along with representatives from Je Me Souviens. Through discussion and ceremony, students deepened their understanding of sacrifice and peace. The event reinforced the importance of remembrance for future generations and strengthened the school’s commitment to meaningful civic education.
Heart of a Soldier Student Art Program:
For the 12th anniversary of the Heart of a Soldier contest, students from Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP, Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount, John F. Kennedy High School in St. Mce and LINKS High School created visual art honoring Canadian military units. Guided by educators and PDCIA Vince Lacroce, selected artwork will be delivered to Ste. Anne’s Veterans Hospital by Lt.-Col. Eric Dion. Some pieces will advance to the National Youth Remembrance Day Competition. The project fosters creativity, empathy, and intergenerational connection, using art as a powerful medium for gratitude, remembrance, and civic engagement.
John F. Kennedy High School & Adult Education Joint Commemoration
John F. Kennedy High School and the JFK Adult Education Centre united for a joint Remembrance Day ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. Organized by Vince Lacroce and Veronica D’Agata, the event featured an interactive Je Me Souviens museum and Canadian Armed Forces exhibition. Guest speakers, including military representatives and JMS educators, helped students and adult learners reflect on Canada’s role in WWII and the importance of remembrance. The collaboration highlighted unity, intergenerational learning, and the continued relevance of historical memory in shaping civic responsibility and national identity.
About the English
Montreal School Board
With a youth and adult sector population
of more than 35,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the
largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998,
when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network
consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at
www.emsb.qc.ca
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Contact:
Michael J. Cohen
Manager,
Marketing and Communications
English Montreal School Board
