During the assembly for the Middle and Senior Schools, guest speaker Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Jaime Phillips told the audience about her deployment to Afghanistan as the first female Artillery Troop Commander. She worked alongside American and Afghan forces and had 33 soldiers under her command. LCol Phillips is currently the Chief of Operations at the Canadian Army’s 4th Canadian Division Headquarters in Toronto.

Major Jennifer Causey sent a video message to the students in Grades 1 to 5. She spent 20 years with the Canadian military, serving in Afghanistan, Petawawa and Toronto. She is currently employed as a civilian in support of the Army in Petawawa. Major Causey told the students what life is like in the armed forces and why it’s important to remember the sacrifices of those who fought to protect our freedom.

At the beginning of the Junior School assemblies, students were asked to be reflective and caring. These are two of the attributes that are valued by International Baccalaureate World Schools like The York School because they help create a more peaceful world. During the assemblies, students learned about the history and symbolism of the poppy, and ways they can be peacemakers when interacting with their siblings and friends.

At each assembly, students showed their respect for veterans in a variety of ways. They shared a video they created about the contributions of Canadian women during World War II, they performed in bands and ensembles, and Grade 5 students recited a poem they had written collectively to commemorate the sacrifices made by our armed forces.