North Addington says “Lest We Forget”

Valerie Allan | Nov 15, 2012

 By Photo: Paratroopers from Mike Company visit Mrs. Cuddy's class to answer questions."

Friday, November 9 saw a set of welcome guests at North Addington Education Centre (NAEC). Students, staff and community members gathered for the Remembrance Day Ceremony, and were joined by local Royal Canadian Legion members and members of Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment.

The ceremony focused on the importance of taking a small amount of time to recognize the sacrifices made by Canadian Forces and their families in the past and present. Brittany Washburn and Janine Beckett were the MCs, and Nick Smart handled the audio/visual component. Miss Buck’s class recited “In Flanders Fields”, and Cassandra Parks and Brad Paul recited it in French. The guests from Mike Company made brief remarks and promised to talk to students later.

Immediately after the ceremony, without even stopping to eat lunch, the guests from Mike Company had a vigorous volleyball game with students – and the students won! While they were doing that, Sgt. James Brown was talking with Mr. Hill’s Grade 7/8 class and Ms. Cuthill’s Grade 6/7 class. He made a visual presentation, then fielded questions. Because the guests were paratroopers, students were very interested in the fact that they jumped out of all kinds of aircraft. The classes had obviously prepared ahead of time, as there were many knowledgeable questions about weaponry, food and tactics.

Mike Company paratroopers ate with the elementary classes, and joined them outside for recess. They ran races, played basketball, and generally had a lot of fun. They also visited Mr. Rewbotham’s class, Mr. Reynold’s class, Ms. Beeg’s class, Ms. Buck’s class, and Mrs. Cuddy’s class. Some classes saw a visual presentation, and some just chatted. Students, again, had obviously prepared, and had a range of questions, from what troops ate to how they showered in wartime conditions. They also wanted to know about the types of vehicles they had ridden in, and where they had been in their jobs.

It was clear that the students and the paratroopers were delighted with one another, and many students asked if the same paratroopers could visit in the future.

Trick or Eat a big success! submitted by NAEC

On October 31, 11 students from North Addington Education Centre canvassed the community in their costumes, not for candy or treats, but for non-perishable food items.

At least two students were stationed in each community: Flinton, Northbrook, and Cloyne. The response was overwhelming. Most homes had a bag or box of food ready, and were not reluctant to contribute to the community. There was a pick up location in each community, as the food was collected on Hallowe’en night. The event and pick up were supervised by a staff member.

In total, students collected 708 items (up from just over 400 last year), which will help the food bank through the winter season. Lydia Kellar, an NAEC student, admitted, “I couldn’t believe how much fun I had! A lot of people recognized the Campbell’s soup can costumes right away. I can’t wait to do it next year!”

The items were then taken over to the food bank and unloaded by the junior boys’ volleyball team. Angela Salmond, the principal of NAEC, was excited to show her support for the event: “I am so proud of our students and would like to extend my thanks to their families and the community. Our students are able to contribute because of the support we receive from the community. Thank you for investing in our students- I am very grateful”.

While this event helped stock the shelves, the winter and holiday seasons are a busy time for the food bank. An attempt was made to go to as many houses as possible, but if your donation was missed, please call North Addington at 613-336-8991 and ask for Ms. Bovard; we will pick up your item(s). For those requiring assistance, please contact Land O’ Lakes Community Services at 613-336-8934. Those wishing to donate food, please call Karen Anderson at 613-391-1408 (leave a message if there is no answer).