A Time To Reflect

A Remembrance Day Ceremony to Remember


The mood was somber as GrandView students respectfully entered the auditorium focusing on the ceremony about to begin. Students and staff sat facing one another in an octagonal formation, much like a United Nations gathering. Community neighbours joined in as part of the school community to listen intently to poignant presentations given by each class.



Those involved in this moving ceremony pondered the significance of the day while reflecting on the important messages shared; respect and appreciation for our veterans, insurmountable courage, loyalty, pride in citizenship of such an amazing country as Canada and above all hope for a future of peace and unity.


Please press pause on the music player below before viewing this video.

Most Respectful School Award

Most Respectful School Award

I don't know if you heard but our little Manitou Park School recently won the "Most Respectful School Award" at the Race Against Drugs competition, run annually by the RCMP and other police services.
To show you the effect of a great teacher, Erin Parker, this year's grade 5/6 Teacher is the same teacher who won with students from Echo Bay for the last two years.
And to prove what effect a great team can have on a group of students, this class has students with many varying needs.
Maria, an Educational Assistant normally working with students in this room was away that day. Roberta Berg, another EA, accompanied the class to the competition and the consistency continued.
Corporal Heyden, the RCMP officer in the picture, said we won "hands down", over 1600 other students. We also came in second or third for the "Big Race". Great, huh?

Kelly Cudmore

Principal Manitou Park

Honouring Cpl. Scott Roberts & Courageous Canadians

Beyond Borders
A couple of weeks ago our school had a "Character Day", where all students were placed on teams and rotated through various classes. Each classroom featured an activity that emphasized a specific character attribute. My focus was courage. Students made cards recognizing the courage of Canadian soldiers. I am sending these cards to my late nephew's platoon in Edmonton, Alberta. Our family came to know these soldiers when they were here in June for his funeral. I thought you would like to hear that our students' character reaches beyond our city and provincial borders!
Thanks!
~Cindy

Here is the letter sent by Cindy and her Grade 1/2 Class.

October 23, 2008
Dear Lieutenant Colonel Kenneally,

My nephew, Scott Roberts, who was a member of the 3 PPCLI, died tragically in June as the result of a drunk driver. Our family has been devastated by this loss. Thankfully we found great comfort by the opportunity we had to share our loss with Scott’s military family when so many of them visited Sault Ste. Marie for the funeral. Scott, like the soldiers we met, embodied great strength of character. I am proud to say that I am a teacher in a school that values, teaches and celebrates the importance of developing strong character in our students. Recently, my entire school took part in a “Character Day”. Students that visited my classroom focused on the attribute of courage. When Canadians think of courage, our thoughts immediately turn to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I shared with the children the story of Scott’s untimely death and how I was blessed with the opportunity of meeting so many courageous men and women that worked alongside Scott.
My school and family would be honoured if you would kindly share the enclosed cards of encouragement to the men and women of 3 PPCLI for the courage they display both here in Canada and abroad.
While students from Kindergarten to grade eight worked cooperatively on the cards, I am enclosing a picture of my class. The children and I applaud your character and want you to see who some of your biggest fans are!

Sincerely,

Cindy Zappacosta,
Grade 1/2 teacher