Heroic Tales of War Come to Life

VeteranBlog_13Nov2009Grade 6 students were honoured to welcome two World War II veterans, Mr. Alan Canavan ’39 and Dr. Peter Roper, to their classrooms during Remembrance Week. Their contributions to our curriculum have enriched the children’s experiences in a way no textbook ever could.

VeteranBlog2_13Nov2009Mr. Alan Canavan, an LCC “old boy,” has been sharing his war-time stories with LCC grade 6 students for many years. He selflessly devotes his time to educate youngsters with his first-hand experiences. Mr. Canavan held his audience captive as he regaled the children with his exploits in Europe. He also took the time to reinforce the need to immortalize the fallen with the continued support of the memorials in Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach. Mr. Canavan has become an integral part of our Remembrance Day observances. His presence is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Peter Roper’s recount of his experiences in the Air Force resulted in wide-eyed curiosity and thoughtful questioning by his audience. Having been shot down at the young age of 18, he was first rescued by a French farmer then later captured by the Germans. After spending two months in a prisoner-of-war camp, he managed a daring escape with the aid of a young boy who hid him in a straw-filled cart. You can well imagine the children’s interest when they learned that this same cart had to make it past enemy sentries!
Part of the grade 6 curriculum allows the students to explore the meaning of the word “hero.” Without a doubt, these two brave warriors, Mr. Alan Canavan and Dr. Peter Roper, definitely classify in the eyes of our youngsters.

— Belinda Rother, Grade 6 Language Arts and Social Studies

Vimy Scholarship Brings Remembering to Life

VimyLogo_BlogThe Vimy Foundation Scholarship trip was fantastic. I learned so much and was extremely moved by everything we saw and took part in, notably the stunning monuments and the vast cemeteries in which anywhere from eight to tens of thousands of soldiers were buried. Seeing the shell-torn fields, still undulated, but now covered with vegetation and with sheep peacefully grazing the grass carpeting them, was truly touching. Then, of course, there was speaking to the veterans. It was incredible to hear them talk about their experiences in WWII and hear their emotions when they were speaking about the different aspects of war. I still get chills when I think about it. These are all experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life. –Liane Bernstein ’10