Flowers of Remembrance
At Tuesday’s Junior School assembly, students were reminded that a wreath is a symbol of peace on Remembrance Day, and that a poppy is worn as a symbol of remembrance and a pledge to remember the contributions made by brave Canadians who fought for freedom and a world at peace.
Students learned about other flowers that can play a role in reminding us of important moments in history. The forget-me-not flowers have a special meaning in Newfoundland and Labrador and are worn as symbols of remembrance and respect.
Students learned about other flowers that can play a role in reminding us of important moments in history. The forget-me-not flowers have a special meaning in Newfoundland and Labrador and are worn as symbols of remembrance and respect.
Grade 6 student Matteo shared, “We know July 1st as Canada Day and we often have fireworks as a celebration. But in Newfoundland and Labrador this day has another meaning and it is not a celebration. It was on this day in 1916, that 800 soldiers in the Newfoundland Regiment fought in France during the Battle of the Somme. The next morning, only 68 were able to answer roll call: the rest were wounded, declared missing or had lost their lives.”
Like the forget-me-nots the tulip is another flower of remembrance. During the Second World War, Princess Juliana from The Netherlands was secretly brought to Canada by ship and stayed in Ottawa for the remainder of the War to keep her safe.
Grade 6 student Alexa shared this, “To thank Canadians for their kindness, Princess Juliana presented Canada with 100,000 tulip bulbs. To this day, Canada receives 20,000 bulbs from Holland each year. If you ever visit Ottawa in the Spring, you will see millions of tulips burst into bloom.”
Finally, our beloved Maple Leaf was first used as a military symbol in 1860 when it was part of the 100th Regiment of the Royal Canadians. During the First World War, the leaf was part of the Canadian Force badges. The maple leaf was used by the Canadian troops as a symbol in the Second World War in badges and on naval equipment. In 1965, the red maple leaf was named the national flag of Canada and since then has been a symbol of pride for Canadians.
Each student and their teacher carried some seeds into assembly and placed them in the wheelbarrow on stage.
“In the Spring, when the frost is gone, we will plant these forget-me-nots in a special place of remembrance at CDS. A place that we will go to remember and see our forget-me-nots grow. It is our hope that our seeds and planting will remind us that peace begins with US. Our planting will serve as a reminder of those we admire and memories remain with us always. Our forget-me-nots will carry the message of PEACE IN THE WORLD.” - Mrs. Wildberger
Photo Gallery
“In the Spring, when the frost is gone, we will plant these forget-me-nots in a special place of remembrance at CDS. A place that we will go to remember and see our forget-me-nots grow. It is our hope that our seeds and planting will remind us that peace begins with US. Our planting will serve as a reminder of those we admire and memories remain with us always. Our forget-me-nots will carry the message of PEACE IN THE WORLD.” - Mrs. Wildberger
Photo Gallery
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
