The Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion curated a display for Vegreville Composite High staff and students in honour of Remembrance Day.

Sherwood Park, AB. —Staff and students throughout Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are leading in-person or virtual Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 8. The ceremonies will pay tribute to those who have served in the armed forces during times of war and peace. These events are a reminder to everyone across the Division the freedoms enjoyed today came at a terrible cost.

“Once again, EIPS students and staff wear the poppy in remembrance—made that much more significant when we’re all together—a single poppy becomes a field,” says Cathy Allen, the Board Chair of EIPS. “Schools are also recognizing Indigenous Veterans’ Day, inviting Elders and Knowledge Keepers to their ceremonies and classrooms so students can commemorate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the military service of Canada.”

This year, Vegreville Composite High is recognizing Remembrance Day with art projects throughout the week to be displayed around the school and in a ceremony led by two Cougar Council student members. Grade 9 drama students will recite the poem “In Flanders Fields” and two student cadets and Cougar council members will recite the poem “Why Wear a Poppy.”  The school is honoured to have Knowledge Keeper Arnold Alexis share a teaching and play the drum at the ceremony in honour of Indigenous Veterans’ Day. The Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion also curated a display for the school.

Vegreville Composite has several local dignitaries attending their ceremony: Taneen Rudyk, Town of Vegreville Counsellor; Mike Hewitt, Fish and Wildlife Sergeant; Diane Fausak, past President of the Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion; an RCMP constable; and, three members of the Vegreville Fire Department.

Ceremonies planned in schools throughout EIPS will include assemblies, land acknowledgements, student art projects, choir and music performances, guest speakers from the Canadian Armed Forces, the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence and the playing of bagpipes. Students will also spend the day learning about the sacrifices and contributions Canadian veterans have made over the years and the significance of the poppy worn on Remembrance Day.

Details about specific events planned at schools throughout the Division are available on school websites or by contacting your local school.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902