Remembering Our Heroes: A Tribute to Remembrance Day

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.

The grade 2 – 6 students participated in a special assembly with Student Activity Council MCs. The Assembly commenced with the choir singing “O Canada.” The assembly highlighted and honoured the bravery of the soldiers who died in past wars and those who continue to fight for peace. Grade 3 students read about bravery and Grade 2 students recited poems about poppies. The poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was read, symbolizing the fallen soldiers. Grade 4 and 5 students shared letters to veterans, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. The assembly also marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, with Grade 6 students speaking about its history. The ceremony concluded with “The Last Post” and a moment of silence.

The grade 7 and 8 students, along with the High School division, came together for a poignant Remembrance Day assembly. High School teacher and veteran, Mr. Fisher, began the ceremony by welcoming students and staff and discussing the solemn importance of observing Remembrance Day. Following the national anthem, the grade 10 students performed a choral reading and presented a special video titled “Pittance of Time.” Selected grade 8 students then shared a dramatic reading of “The Price of Freedom,” an excerpt from Don Crawford’s poem “The Man We Never Know,” while the grade 7 students recited “In Flanders Fields.” At 11:00 a.m., everyone stood for two minutes of silence as “The Last Post” was played. The assembly concluded with the recitation of the Act of Remembrance by High School SAC President, Simran.

On the morning of November 18th, we presented the Markham Veterans Association with a donation of $1,788.45, in addition to the contributions made by students and staff directly to the Royal Canadian Legion.