Remembering the Fallen Through Music and Movement

On November 10, we held our Remembrance Day ceremony, gathering as a community in a hybrid format. Students and staff contributing to the program joined in the Bryan Jones Theatre while others, in house groups around campus, joined remotely. Students across all grades participated in the creation of a moving Remembrance Day service, a cross-curricular collaborative project, which featured Grade 10 Drama, Grade 11 Dance, the Lorelei Consort, Concert Choir, and Rock Choir. The opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and peer groups created a meaningful learning experience for our students to dig into their own understanding of history and the significance of Remembrance Day. Igniting the imagination of students through activities that bring to life the stories of others through the performing arts, allows them to explore historical themes and events in a way that not only engenders a passion for learning but also imparts the responsibility of authentic storytelling.

 

We also took time to acknowledge, remember, and honour the sacrifices of Indigenous Peoples of Canada in the wars. We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations. Many Treaty 20 people served in the military.

 

Many Indigenous Peoples of Canada, are veterans of World War I and II. In fact, going back to the War of 1812 — no identifiable group has contributed more to defending the lands we now call Canada than Indigenous peoples. For example, when World War I was declared, there were 63 adult males in Alderville (close to Peterborough) — 38 of them volunteered to protect their lands and Canada. That’s 60% of the male population of Alderville. Indigenous Peoples continue to be committed to protecting these lands and waters.

 

In Lakefield College School's own history, 56 members of the Grove community served during WWI and WWII in various elements of the Canadian Forces and lost their lives for the cause of freedom. During the service, the names of these LCS alumni were read aloud, a tradition in which one student or staff member stands for each of the fallen. Given the small population of the school in those days, it represented a very large proportion of the students at that time, many of whom were only a year or so older than our students today.

“May we all move through today and tomorrow with a greater sense of appreciation for what is meant by sacrifice, freedom and peace.” - Ms. Brown