Remembrance Day 2020 in BWDSB
Posted on 11/11/2020
Bluewater District School Board joins Canadians on Wednesday, November 11 to honour and thank our country’s past and present war heroes, whose sacrifices are the basis of the freedoms and lifestyle we are privileged to enjoy today.
Despite current COVID-19 restrictions around public gatherings, our schools are finding creative ways to commemorate these many brave individuals.
For example, the Grade 11/12 visual arts class at John Diefenbaker Senior School produced artwork dedicated to local veterans in the form of painted rock designs by each student displaying a poppy and “thank you” inscription. The painted rocks have been donated to the Hanover Legion for our veterans to receive just in time for November 11. Students felt it was important to demonstrate through these small tokens of “thanks” their appreciation for the sacrifices that the veterans have made. “It is important to show our veterans that we care," says one of the students. The school is also featuring displays, a case of war paraphernalia, and the creation of Heritage Minutes videos, which were spearheaded by Jennifer Morris' Grade 10 history and Rachael Murray’s music classes with credit to Avryl Bender for her videography skills.
The kindergarten French Immersion class at Port Elgin-Saugeen Central School, courtesy of Mlle. Boyko and Mme. Lefebvre, collaborated with families to create a Remembrance Day board with photos representing close or extended family members who are currently serving in the military, or are veterans.
Virtual Remembrance Day themed gatherings, presentations, class activities, and art projects are also happening district wide as our students and staff join together to show respect and gratitude for these Canadian heroes.
The recent celebration of Treaties Recognition Week reminds us of the importance of also recognizing National Indigenous Veterans Day, which occurred on Sunday, November 8. This occasion commemorates the contributions of Canada’s Indigenous citizens and communities to Canada’s military service.
National flags at all schools, the Bluewater District School Board Education Centre, and other board facilities are being lowered once again on November 11 to mark Remembrance Day.