Students and staff proudly wore their poppies leading up to and on Remembrance Day. TCPS staff and students worked together to produce meaningful Remembrance Day activities and assemblies on November 11th honouring our veterans, victims of war and those who continue to serve and protect our country.
The Pre-School classes received learning kits, historical sheets and booklets from Veterans Affairs of Canada to complete during the week leading up to Remembrance Day. The grade 1 classes joined together in the gymnasium for a Remembrance Day assembly and watched and listened to a special Remembrance Day story. The Grade 1 students also had the opportunity to recite a poem over the PA system to the entire school. All the faculty along with the students observed two minutes of silence to honour the sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families.
During the week leading up to Remembrance Day, students in grades 4-6 made “Postcards for Peace” which have been delivered to veterans in long term care and the grades 6-8 experienced a special presentation from Corporal Mark Castillo speaking on matters of peace, respect, and honor through the sharing of his own experiences. Cpl. Mark Castillo served with the 1 Royal Canadian Regiment for over 6 years and included a 7-month tour in Afghanistan.
On November 10th, the grade 2 to 6 classes had a special assembly which included the choir singing “O Canada” and “We Will Remember.” In addition to solemn reading of “In Flanders Fields,” students also spoke about the significance of the choir’s chosen song and the meaning of Remembrance Day and what peace means to them. Two selected students placed a wreath on the podium during the playing of “The Last Post”, followed by 2 minutes of silence.
The grade 7 and 8 students and High School division joined together in a poignant Remembrance Day assembly. High School teacher and veteran, Mr. Fisher, commenced the ceremony by welcoming the students and staff and discussed the solemnity of observing Remembrance Day. Following the singing of the national anthem, selected grade 8 students shared Remembrance Day poems and the grade 10 students performed dramatic readings. At 11:00 a.m. all in attendance stood for 2 minutes of silence as “The Last Post” was played. The grade 7 students recited the Act of Remembrance concluding the assembly.
This year’s poppy sales exceeded last year’s donation with the school collectively raising $1,916.65. This donation was presented to the Markham Veterans Association and is in addition to the donations made by students and staff directly to the Royal Canadian Legion.