​Each year, students in SJASD take time to learn about and reflect on the importance of Remembrance Day and National Indigenous People's Veteran's Day. This year is no different at Strathmillan School.

Last week, Strathmillan students took time to learn about the contributions of Indigenous veterans through classroom activities. For some students, this included participating in a voluntary smudge.

“We talked about the smudging ceremony, and we clarified our thoughts about Indigenous contributions to our country," explains Principal Warren Nickerson.

“Even in this community we have a number of veterans who are Indigenous who make great contributions to the peace and sustainability of our country. So we honour that, we respect that, and in the past it is possible that those veterans had been overlooked. And so, having an Indigenous Veterans Day in advance of Remembrance Day puts a special focus on our Indigenous veterans."

Remembrance Day Focus on Peace

In a music room at Strathmillan, students follow the pace set by Music Teacher Alanna Dawson. The Grade 1 to 3 choir has been preparing for weeks to sing a choral arrangement Light a Candle for Peace by Shelley Murley at the Remembrance Day service.

​“Both our primary and our intermediate choirs have prepared vocal pieces that will add to our ceremony," explains Principal Nickerson. “Our theme is peace, especially peace in Canada and the United States and Latin America."

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In addition to the choirs, each class will lay a wreath constructed of artwork from each student that is part of a long-standing tradition at the school. A veteran will also address the assembly, and a bugler will play the Rouse.

“This community is well connected to the Canadian Armed Forces and all of their contributions whether it be actual contributions to conflict, whether it's peacekeeping, or whether it's search and rescue, and helping in times of disaster," says Principal Nickerson. “We want to hold special recognition for those who have served."

Classroom Musings
In Ms. Audrey Pattie's Grade 4/5 class, students have been thinking about the importance of peace and their appreciation for veterans.

Ms. Pattie had each student write the word for peace in their first language. The resulting compilation will be added to their classroom wreath.

Maks (Gr. 5, pictured first) has a family member that has recently retired from the Air Force. He is the fourth MC for the Remembrance Day assembly at Strathmillan, and he wrote the word for peace in Croatian and Spanish.

“Today I remember the soldiers who served, who were deployed and who never returned," he reads from his poppy writing exercise. “I thank the veterans for our freedom, and I like my country because I have many rights and many freedoms."

Korvette (Gr. 4, pictured second) wrote the word for peace in Tagalog and had this to say about recognizing veterans. “Today I will remember what you've done to bring peace and freedom, and the losses that you overcame. Thank you, veterans, for the sacrifice that you made. You are heroes. Thank you. Soldiers are brave heroes of men, with hearts of gold. They are the ones who bring us peace. I love my country because it's a place I can call home and I feel safe and joy in this country."

​​Areesha (Gr. 5, pictured third) wrote the word for peace in Urdu and emphasized the importance of safety. “The soldiers who fought in war and sacrificed their life to give us peace. A hardworking  group that works with guns, bombs, and keeps us safe. I love my country because Canada is a safe country that helps us safe and gives peace and loves its own residents. Thank you veterans for helping us keep safe, and sacrifice their life, for us, thank you."

Reflecting on Safety Abroad

Principal Nickerson's father served as a peacekeeper (military police) in Cypress, serving two tours of duty as part of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

“I think Remembrance Day holds a special significance for me because on this day I especially remember my father and all I learned from him."

With many conflicts raging around the world, Principal Nickerson thinks it's important to reflect on Remembrance Day now more than ever.

“Remembrance Day reminds us of the peace and security we enjoy in Canada. I know it's been a long time since the two great wars of the 20^th century, but we have students among us now from the Middle East, and from Ukraine, and  from other countries in Africa who are experiencing conflict and the lack of security, and a lack of freedom right now."

He adds, “Remembrance Day is that moment where we all stop, take a moment of silence and remember how important it is to work for peace, and I think our students understand that at Strathmillan."

Video Highlights from Strathmillan​

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For more information on Remembrance Day and Indigenous People's Veteran's Day in SJASD, follow school and Division accounts on Instagram.

Thank you to the students and staff of Strathmillan School, and all other SJASD staff, students, and guests for reflecting on Remembrance Day/National Indigenous People's Veteran's Day this year.