St. Jean de Brébeuf CSS Honours Remembrance Day with Reflection, Music, and Gratitude
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School community gathered in the gymnasium for a moving Remembrance Day Ceremony, marking the school’s first in-person observance of its kind since 2018.
To begin our observances, the day prior, on Monday, November 10, Ms. Magakian, one of SJB’s art teachers, led all Period 1 classes in a Remembrance Day Reflection Activity, where students wrote or drew personal messages of remembrance, courage, and gratitude on paper poppies. These poppies—now beautifully displayed throughout the school—serve as a powerful visual reminder of our community’s collective appreciation for peace, service, and sacrifice.
As students entered the gymnasium in reverent silence, the atmosphere was set by a powerful rendition of “Travelin’ Soldier,” performed by Kaylee Pearson, Alex Radu, Kenyan Snihur, and Julia Johnston. The song tells the story of a young soldier who leaves behind someone he loves, capturing the deep emotions of separation, sacrifice, and loss experienced during times of war. Its heartfelt message of courage and remembrance resonated deeply with the audience, setting a reflective tone for the ceremony that followed.
This assembly invited students and staff to pause in reverence, honouring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The ceremony commenced with the stirring sound of the bagpipes, performed by former Legion member and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders veteran Stefan Spolnik. As the sounds of the bagpipes filled the gym, the flag party and student cadets—Air Cadet Nicholas Silverio, Air Cadet Gabriella Cino, Lance Corporal Keyla Betancourt, Lance Corporal Sophia Moreno, Warrant Officer 2nd Class Genevieve Berquist, and Flight Sergeant Elyse MacLean—processed in, proudly carrying the symbols of faith, freedom, and remembrance.
A musical performance of We 'll Meet Again by Mr. Woloch and Ms. Chennery filled the gym with emotion, leading into the traditional laying of the wreath, The Last Post, two minutes of silence, and The Rouse, performed by Warrant Officer 2nd Class, Genevieve Berquist. The ceremony concluded with a moving rendition of O Canada by Favour Udoka, followed by a collective promise:
A Commitment To Remember
“They were young, as we are young.
They served, giving freely of themselves.
We will remember them.”
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Chennery, Mr. Curto and his class, our dedicated Tech Crew, talented band, and to all staff and students whose time, effort, and reverence helped make this ceremony a meaningful tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom.
