Remembrance Day and Veteran’s Week at CGS
“We wear poppies to show that we remember all of the veterans who have helped our country and our world to be safe.”
Our Veteran’s Week activities at CGS are focussed on peace, quiet reflection, and gratitude. From our Early Start/Preschool to our upper primary grades, we gratefully honour our veterans and service members on this Remembrance Day.
In honour of those who came before us, our students took part in a wreath procession of poppies that they displayed on our stage. Each class created their own design and carefully crafted each wreath.
Songs were sung, musical tributes were shared, and silent reflection was practiced to remind us of the peace we have and the gratitude we have for these heroes.
We acknowledge the significance of Remembrance Day not only from a historical perspective, but one that allows us to reflect on gratitude and a time to focus our thoughts on being kind, selfless and actively saying ‘thank you’.
Thank you to Isabella Papalia, Naval Cadet of HMCS York, the Royal Canadian Navy who shared with us her daily experiences on board the ship where she is a navigation expert. She told us incredible stories of her daily adventures on the water, and even shared stories from history as to how animals like dogs, cats, and horses helped the service members do their jobs.
Naval Cadet Papalia shared the true story of Canadian soldier and veterinarian, Harry Colebourn who bought a bear cub on his way to England as he headed overseas to serve in World War I. He named the cub, “Winnipeg Bear” after his hometown, and Winnie travelled with Harry until she was welcomed to a permanent home in the London Zoo.
The beloved books and stories of Winnie the Pooh were inspired by Harry and Winnie’s history together that started in White River, Ontario. Our CGS students were excited to make this real-world connection to their familiar friend of Pooh Bear and the historical events that inspired our honouring Remembrance Day each year.
At CGS, we observe this special day to honour and pay tribute to those who served their countries, protecting the freedom and values of so many people around the world and at home here in Canada.
Lest we forget…
Thank you.
