Nov. 15, 2019
The HDSB is committed to honouring the sacrifice and service of Canada’s military and to providing students with meaningful learning experiences that increase their knowledge, appreciation and understanding of those who have and continue to serve this country.
I would like to address recent media reports concerning how Brant Hills Public School recognized Remembrance Day this past Monday.
Every school and Board office in the Halton District School Board recognizes Remembrance Day with a ceremony which includes a moment of silence. On years when November 11 falls on a weekend, schools and Board offices recognize Remembrance Day on a Friday or Monday.
Be assured that all students and staff at Brant Hills Public School, and all HDSB schools, recognize Remembrance Day on and prior to November 11 in many ways.
This year at Brant Hills Public School, as in past years, students and staff participated in a school assembly and paused for a moment of silence. This occurred shortly after 11 a.m. to ensure all students, staff, families and those attending the ceremony could be present.
I want to personally thank the students and staff at Brant Hills PS for planning a meaningful and emotional Remembrance Day ceremony where all students and staff were joined by more than 30 family members of students at the school. Students led the ceremony, speaking about the importance of Remembrance Day and honouring the service and sacrifice of Canadian military, the significance of the poppy, and reflected on the freedom we have as Canadians.
The school band performed O Canada, “Let It Be” was sung by the Glee Club, and Grade 1-2 students sang “Light a Candle for Peace”. A moment of silence was held, followed by a reading of Flanders Fields. The school band performed the “Arrival of Normandy” and the music club played “Song of Peace”.
In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, Brant Hills students created artwork and wreaths to honour Canadian veterans and
display on stage at the school’s ceremony. Students incorporated into their wreaths what they had
researched about specific veterans and their unique contributions. These student-created art pieces remain hung around the school for students, staff and families to reflect on their meaning, symbolism and significance.
HDSB teachers refer to the Royal Canadian Legion Teaching Guide when developing lesson plans for student learning ahead of Remembrance Day. This guide reinforces the fact that the “nature of a Remembrance Day program will vary from school to school”. This acknowledges that there may be many variations in how schools recognize this important day, but active participation of students is key.
I personally understand the importance of honouring the bravery, courage and valour that members of Canada’s military have shown when serving our country to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Both of my grandfathers fought in the First World War, one at the Battle of the Somme and the other at Gallipoli. As a teenager, my father was on an anti-aircraft gun battery in Glasgow.
We appreciate that there are some who have expressed concern regarding the fact that Brant Hills PS did not observe a moment of silence exactly at 11 a.m. This is something that we will do our best to accommodate in the future across all our schools. However, we do hope the information provided demonstrates the commitment of the staff and students to honour the sacrifice and service of those who have served and continue to serve our country.
I can assure you that as a Board, all students and staff recognize these sacrifices on Remembrance Day, and all days.
Lest we forget.
Sincerely,
Stuart Miller
Director of Education