Written by Laura Giroux, Student Journalist
On April 4th, a group of enthusiastic students and staff from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Tottenham will be travelling to Europe to partake in ceremonies and activities for the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge. They will be exploring many great landmarks of London, Vimy, Normandy, and Paris while focusing on the history of World War I.
Thirty-four students in grades 10, 11, and 12 along with 4 teachers will be embarking on this adventure. The group will first land in London where they will get to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. They will then travel by train to the Vimy Region of France where they will witness the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres, visit the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, and explore preserved tunnels and trenches near Vimy Ridge.They will get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in ceremonies that celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canada’s victory at Vimy Ridge. Next, students will travel to the Normandy region of France where they will be able to stand upon the shores of Juno Beach and appreciate the bravery and sacrifice made by the Allies on D-Day. Their trip will conclude in Paris, after exploring landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
When one of the lead teachers of this trip, Mrs. Harwood, was asked about the significance of the trip, she stated: "This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to honour and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the sacrifice, duty and victory of Canadian soldiers at Vimy Ridge. Students will be engrossed in history, culture and education." This trip will be an incredible experience for students to learn about a significant time in history while showing support for their country.