Powassan students reflect on Remembrance Day with art projects

War can be a tough subject to learn and teach. But in the eyes of the students of St. Gregory Catholic Elementary School in Powassan, it’s a topic that's important to know.

"We've been learning that soldiers died and fought for us and they were fighting," said Grade 4 Student Zach Uttaro.

"The Germans fought against Canada."

Each class at the school is learning about the atrocities of war in their own way. A mural at the entrance of the school has photos and names of Canada's bravest men and women, who hail from Powassan and its surrounding area.

"I am kind of glad they stood up for Canada," said Grade 5 student Katrina Kennedy.

In Tara Caven's grade 4/5 split class, it all starts with a story called 'The Eleventh Hour.' It's a chronicle of two brothers deployed to the front lines of the battlefield in 1914.

Using what they’ve learned from the story, each student was quiet and reflecting while colouring a pendant representing peace, which they strung up together to be hung up on the blackboard.

War can be a tough subject to learn and teach. But in the eyes of the students of St. Gregory Catholic Elementary School in Powassan, it’s a topic that's important to know. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

War can be a tough subject to learn and teach. But in the eyes of the students of St. Gregory Catholic Elementary School in Powassan, it’s a topic that's important to know. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

"I made this one," said Uttaro, pointing to his pendant.

"They symbolize the soldiers. They were brave. They were respectful, kind, caring and strong."

Each student attended a school-wide Remembrance Day assembly where a representative of 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base spoke about Canada's current peacekeeping role and why we commemorate Nov. 11.

"You should be respectful and thankful for the soldiers," said Grade 5 student Ava-Bloom Francoeur.

Each year, schools in the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board organize activities regarding Remembrance Day for its students leading up to the day of commemoration.

IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND

"It's important they (our students) understand our values and that we do stand up for what is right and that it takes sacrifice and love from all people," said the principal of St. Gregory Emmanuel Rick.

Earlier this week, the grade 4/5 class coloured a poppy wreath while penning words on the flower's petals describing what Remembrance Day means to them.

“Mine is the one with all the designs," said Kennedy while pointing to her poppy project.

"I wrote about how my great grandpa was in World War Two."

The students are appreciating the little things we have every day but with that at the expense of great sacrifice.

"It makes me feel happy but at the same time sad," said Kennedy.

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