Honouring Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day Across LRSD 

Dakota Collegiate Institute (DCI)

This year’s ceremony focused on the Second World War and the evolution of human rights that emerged from it. The assembly featured a range of student-created audio-visual presentations and integrated music, poetry, and art to deepen the experience. The presentation invited the audience to reflect during the traditional moment of silence and included contributions from the Tawaw, fine arts, band, and theatre programs, as well as participation from the school’s student cadets. 

École Howden

École Howden held its Remembrance Day ceremony with special tributes to former student James Arnal, who served in the Armed Forces and lost his life in service. Captain Ted Valais spoke about helping others and working for peace. Each class created a wreath, which was displayed during the ceremony, and Grade 5 students recited Au champ d’honneur while the school choir sang Enfant de paix. 

Following the ceremony, the wreaths were placed around James Arnal’s memorial plaque as a tribute to him. 

École Julie-Riel

The École Julie-Riel community gathered to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed for freedom. Students led the ceremony with confidence and respect, performing songs that told the story of remembrance through their moving lyrics and harmonies. The solemn tone invited reflection as students and staff observed a moment of silence together. The community stood proudly for the national anthem and respectfully during The Last Post, demonstrating deep gratitude and remembrance. 

École Sage Creek Bonavista

École Sage Creek Bonavista held its first Remembrance Day ceremonies this week, marking a special moment for the new school community. The student-led events included readings of In Flanders Fields in English and Au champ d’honneur in French. Students also shared information about Indigenous Veterans Day and Tommy Prince, followed by a poppy wreath-laying ceremony. 

Families were invited to contribute photos and names of relatives who have served in the military, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the occasion. The school choir and guitar ensemble performed Un Canadien Errant, creating a memorable and reflective atmosphere for all in attendance. 

École St. Germain

On November 10, École St. Germain held its Remembrance Day assembly in the school gymnasium. Students involved in Guides, Scouts, Embers, and Cubs attended in uniform. Two Grade 5 students served as masters of ceremony, speaking with eloquence and courage. Mme Denise Muller-Bulger’s Grade 2 class and Mme Marie-Claude Morin’s Grade 5 class sang together, and special guest Jakob Enns, a music teacher from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, performed Le Réveil and The Last Post. Each class prepared a poppy wreath for the assembly, and families of participating students were invited to attend. 

École Varennes

École Varennes held its Remembrance Day assembly on Friday, November 7. The ceremony began with members of the Girl Guides placing the flag, followed by student MCs leading the proceedings. Students laid wreaths created collaboratively by each class, and a student from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé performed The Last Post on the trumpet during the moment of silence. The event provided an opportunity for the entire school community to come together in reflection and respect. 

General Vanier School

Staff, students, families, and community members gathered for a school-wide Remembrance Day assembly led by Grade 7 and 8 students. The program included speeches on the significance of Remembrance Day, a recitation of In Flanders Fields, and a guitar performance of Highway of Heroes by The Trews. 

Two special slide presentations were featured: Honouring Our Loved Ones, which showcased veterans from student and staff families, and a student-created montage reflecting on the meaning of peace. Each student wrote a personal reflection on a dove, now displayed in the hallway. The assembly concluded with The Last Post and two minutes of silence. 

H.S. Paul School

The H.S. Paul School community gathered on November 10 for its Remembrance Day service. Students, staff, and families welcomed guest speaker Mr. Dennis Lyons, a 20-year veteran of the Canadian Air Force, who shared insights about his service and spoke about notable Canadian veterans including Tommy Prince, Frederick Hall, Leo Clarke, and Robert Shankland. 

Grade 5/6 students performed John Lennon’s Imagine accompanied by Mr. Olfert on piano, while Kindergarten students recited Little Poppy. Grades 7 and 8 students presented a reader’s theatre piece about the significance of the poppy and In Flanders Fields. The service concluded with The Last Post, a moment of silence, and Reveille, performed on trumpet by Dakota Collegiate Grade 12 student Kadence Hagan. 

J.H. Bruns Collegiate

J.H. Bruns Collegiate marked Remembrance Day with two assemblies held in the gymnasium for the first time in several years. Students organized, spoke, and performed throughout the ceremonies, gaining meaningful learning experiences while respectfully honouring the day. 

LRSD Programming Out of Monterey

At LRSD Programming Out of Monterey, Social Worker Kim Mackey brought history to life by sharing stories and perspectives of war veterans before students participated in hands-on learning with artifacts from the First and Second World Wars. Students learned about enlistment processes, life away from home, the loss of loved ones, and the transition to post-war life in Manitoba. 

They examined items soldiers carried, explored topics such as front-line hygiene, pay, and communication, and reflected on original handwritten Canadian military documents—finding a human connection to the past through these powerful artefacts. 

Marion School

To commemorate Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, Marion School’s Grade 5/6 students visited Early Years classrooms to share stories and read books about why we remember. 

The school also hosted a special assembly featuring guest speaker Captain Angela Brass, CB, who inspired students with her powerful message about her experiences as an Indigenous woman serving in the Canadian Forces. Her words of courage and resilience left a lasting impression on the school community.

Sage Creek School

Sage Creek School expressed gratitude to staff and students for an assembly that honoured the service and sacrifice of Indigenous and non-Indigenous soldiers who have served or continue to serve. 

The event opened with a dynamic performance by the school’s rock band, followed by a moving song by Grade 3/4 students. Corporal William Sawchuk delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with all attendees, while student MCs guided the program with poise and professionalism. 

Through ceremonies such as this, Sage Creek School continues to uphold the importance of remembrance and ensures the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans are never forgotten. 

Victor H.L. Wyatt School

On November 10, Victor H.L. Wyatt School held its Remembrance Day service, We Remember, bringing together students and staff from Kindergarten to Grade 8 to reflect on peace, gratitude, and remembrance through song, poetry, and student-led presentations. 

Highlights included performances by the school choir and band, thoughtful readings, and the laying of wreaths by class representatives. The ceremony provided powerful moments of reflection and unity for the entire school community.