November 11th, 2016

Today, students and staff honour those who fought for our freedom, sacrificed their lives, and continue to serve our great nation. On behalf of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), we thank all our Canadian heroes for their bravery and commitment to keeping us safe. You make us proud to be Canadian.

Video – Laurelwood Public School

For 19 years, Laurelwood Public School has marked this day of reflection and remembrance with a beautiful ceremony. The event includes choir and musical performances and readings. WRDSB streamed this Remembrance Day coverage live at the Education Centre in Kitchener for board staff. We invite you to re-watch the event below.

Today, we honour those who fought for our freedom, sacrificed their lives, and continue to serve our great nation. We thank all our Canadian heroes for their bravery and commitment to keeping us safe. We #RememberThem. Please join us and watch the #RemembranceDay ceremony from Laurelwood Public School.

Posted by Waterloo Region District School Board on Friday, 11 November 2016

A musical prelude plays for approximately 16 minutes before the visual presentation begins.

Schools across our district mark Remembrance Day with ceremonies and events – we’ll update this page later with some of the highlights.

Update – 11:03

This morning, Charlotte Parks, a Grade 5 from Hespeler Public School read a poem she wrote live on CHYM FM. Here is Charlotte’s poem.

Cadets,we honor you

Cadets,
We honor you.
From Generals to Soldiers;
Navy Captains and weapon holders.
Everyone in our land,
Who helped protect both poor and grand.
We honor people of our world,
Whom fought in tragic wars of which they heard.
Nurses are in your aid,
Though your wounds show you are not afraid.
You gave up your life amongst the free,
To defend both you and me.
As bombs silently fly through the night,
You stand prepared,
Guns clutched tight.
You fight for peace,
Not for war.
As our country stands,
Barely torn.
You protect our home and distant lands.
With facing the shadow of more demands.
Along the way you’ve had many losses,
Which you stand to remember,
In a field of crosses.
Despite all you’ve been through,
The hard and the rough,
We proudly respect those strong and tough.

Cadets,
We honor you.

Update – 3:45 p.m.

This Remembrance Day, Galt Collegiate Institute (GCI) honoured and remembered their members of the Canadian Armed Forces and fallen heroes through a sombre assembly and hallway display. The display, created by a GCI grad, serves as a memorial to the fallen GCI students who fought in WW1 and WW2.

In addition, Cambridge artist Dave Sopha, a member of Kinsmen Canada, brought in the replica of his “Portraits of Honour” mural. This 40 ft. by 10 ft display is a visual reminder of the 158 Canadian solders, sailors and aircrew who died during the Afghanistan war. Dave was touched by an article he read in The Record about the 100th fallen soldier. He decided to paint a mural to honour them, and his goal was to make sure all Canadians remember and honour our Canadian Forces.