Today was a sombre one throughout the School as we spent time reflecting on Remembrance Day and what it means to us.
The Elementary School started the day with a moving ceremony that included recognition of serving members of the military who are part of our Sacred Heart community including Lieutenant Colonel Brent Culligan and Chief Petty Officer Second Class Stephen Morris who were in attendance, and Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Allan Blanchette, Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Blanchette, and Captain (Retired) Mark Naipaul. Our students did an incredible job speaking to the importance of the day, acknowledging that we must recognize and remember those who served and continue to serve in the pursuit of truth, justice, freedom, peace, and knowledge. Hopeful music also filled the Little Theatre throughout the ceremony thanks to our special guests Chief Petty Officer Second Class Stephen Morris who led us on the pipes, Master Sailor Curtis George who played a solitary, mournful bugle, and our amazing Elementary Choir whose voices lifted in unison and hope. Their version of a Ukrainian lullaby was beautiful, and reminded us of the fragility of peace.
In the Senior School, our Grade 12 Barat students led an equally memorable and important ceremony and included an address by our Head of School, Dennis Phillips who reminded our students to live their mission as those men and women of the military lived theirs. In poetry, music, and prayer, our students came together to acknowledge and remember those who served and to also speak to the importance of overcoming adversity and hope. This year, special attention was focused on women and Indigenous people who served our country, and we were honoured to welcome Sacred Heart community member Lieutenant-Commander, RCN (ret’d) Easton “Dunk” Dunkley who spoke about his experience in the Canadian Navy and shared why it was important for him to serve and give back to Canada, his adopted country.
Both of these ceremonies remind us all how important it is to stop, remember, and reflect on the gift of peace.
