Spotlight on the London District Catholic School Board


November 14th, 2008
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Lest We Forget LDCSB Students Remember Those Who Fought and Died in War
In classrooms and schools all across the London District Catholic School board this week, our students remembered those who fought and died in war, so that our country would remain free. Many schools hosted veterans, from World War Two and the war in Afghanistan. They heard first-hand what it was like to be in a war. The sentiment may have been best summed up by Daniela, a student at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, whose letter to a veteran is reproduced at right.

	Staff and students of St. Francis, London celebrated Remembrance Day in a special way this year. A number of classes wrote Remembrance Day poems and stories, which were read over the announcements. In addition, Mrs. Peternel's Grade 2 class wrote letters to soldiers in Afghanistan. To top off the Remembrance Day celebrations, Ms. Meaney and Mrs. Sousa prepared a special mass, after which a war veteran came and spoke to the school about his experiences and the importance of Remembrance Day. (Above and left)
	Every year, the Grade 10 and 12 history students at Holy Cross collaborate on the production of a video for HCC's Remembrance Day ceremony. This year, the students were asked to focus on the role of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. The students contributed to the project in several ways. First, both groups visited Wolseley Barracks to deepen their understanding of the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers over the last 100 years. Following the trip, the Grade 10 students wrote a letter to a Canadian soldier as part of an assignment, and discussed the responsibilities of our troops in Afghanistan. Grade 12 students discussed the history of the complex relationship between the West and the region; they also chose appropriate images and footage from a variety of sources, including the US Department of Defense, the Canadian Department of Nationals Defense, and NATO. Students from both classes were also filmed stating their opinions of Canadian sacrifices in the world wars and in Afghanistan. The footage from the trip to the barracks, the government websites, and the student interviews was used to make the video. To access the video, click on the picture at left, then click on Projects Icon (bottom right corner) and choose Remembrance Day 2008 from the video list.

The students and staff of St. Francis School in Princeton gathered along with students and staff from Princeton Central School and community members at the Princeton War Memorial to take part in a Remembrance Day Ceremony. Students from the grade 7/8 class at St. Francis were in charge of the service, acting as the Master of Ceremonies, readers, Colour Sergeant and flag bearers and wreath organizers. Everyone in attendance honoured those who fought in past and present wars and recognized those who gave their life while serving their country. Following the service, all students, from both St. Francis and Princeton Central School, toured through the Princeton Museum's War display including walking through a replica trench. We are very proud of all of the students for recognizing the significance of this day in their prayers and actions. Many thanks to all of the staff and community members who contributed in preparing and carrying out this special service.

St. Theresa school was honoured by the presence of three guests. Leading Seaman Tina Renault, Brigadier General O'Brien - Chief of Staff for Land Reserves, and long time friend Mr. Robert Guy - World War II veteran- joined the school community to observe this solemn moment. Mrs. MacDougall's grade 2/3 class and Miss Facchin's grade 7 class lead the assembly in prayer. Students reverently observed two minutes of silence, sang O Canada and listened to Brigadier General O'Brien's address. As long as there are schools, teachers and children we will remember as we work to build a world of peace.

St. Anne School celebrated Remembrance Day with an assembly for the students. A Grade 4 student read an award that given to his father after he was wounded during active duty in Afghanistan. Several students brought in memorabilia of war from family members. It was a moving ceremony.	Students at St. Mary's in West Lorne marked the day with a ceremony at the school and the Cenotaph in West Lorne.

Above, students marking Remembrance Day at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School.

Each class at St. Vincent de Paul was asked to prepare a wreath for the Remembrance Day liturgy, with the students' hopes for peace in the world.

One of Canada's favourite and award winning children's non-fiction book authors, Linda Granfield, visited with the students of St. Mary Choir School. Linda Granfield's latest book is entitled "The Unknown Soldier". Mrs. Granfield spoke about how thousands of unknown soldiers who served in conflicts in the last century have received recognition by their countries. The students surprised Mrs. Granfield by performing the song "The Eleventh Day The Eleventh Hour" in her honour.

The Remembrance Day Service at St. Paul's School was prepared by Mrs. Helen Palmer's Grade 3 and Mrs. Anne Marie O'Neill's Grade 2/3 classes. It was a meaningful, reflective, 40 minute presentation of prayers, songs, choral poem reading, procession of poppies and video. Students were encouraged to wear their uniforms (i.e. Scouts, Brownies, etc) and the colours red and white. Four uniformed parents also attended the service: Provincial Constable Hadubiak (R.C.M.P.), Sergeant Chevers (O.P.P.), Sergeant Garrett (L.P.) and Major Hill. It was a solemn service that captivated the hearts of all age groups.

	Our Mission To serve the Catholic student in a community that nurtures a living faith and provides a quality Catholic education that enables the individual to become a contributing member of the Church and Society.
For feedback, submissions, suggestions and input, please contact: :j.boles@office.ldcsb.on.ca or contact: John Boles, Manager of Communications, 519-663-2088, ext 40015	Spotlight is produced weekly by the Communications Department of the LDCSB. Spotlight is a BRAVO Award winner for demonstrated excellence, recognized by the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education and a winner of the Glorya Nanne Award from the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education for making a substantial contribution to fostering better understanding of Catholic Education.