10/30/2026
From the Crosswalk to Cascading Poppies:
Students Continue Learning History to Honour Our Heroes and Veterans
This November, junior students are exploring the true meaning of reflection, sacrifice, and remembrance. Building on the inspiring work of the 2025-2026 Grade 6 class who began the memorable Veteran’s Crosswalk project, this year’s students are eager to follow in those footsteps of history and continue the extension of the painted crosswalk in the final stage to the local Legion.
As they prepare for that year long goal, Grade 6 students have been diving deep into Canada’s military history, learning about the service of our veterans, the impact of conflict, and the profound sacrifices made for peace. To bring the rest of the junior division along on this journey of reflection, the class launched a collaborative art initiative.
Students came together as a school community for a shared purpose. They built strong connections, bonds, and shared hard work to hand-design over 200 commemorative poppy plates. Brought together into a display of cascading poppies, this artwork is more than just a creative exercise. It is a living lesson in teamwork, empathy and gratitude. Through every brushstroke, our students have learned that history is not merely found in textbooks, but in the stories of those who served. We invite the entire Cornwall community to join these young learners to pause beside this tribute display to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom and take a moment to remember.
The Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 classes took time to reflect together on what remembrance means, what a veteran is and what is the symbolism of the poppy. Please find a summary of our discussions below.
As a Grade 3 class, what remembrance means to us is coming together on Poppy Day to wear our poppies, remember the brave soldiers who helped Canada, and express how thankful we are for our freedom. When considering what a veteran is, we think of brave soldiers, leaders, and even our own family members who stepped up to serve. Above all, we know that a poppy is a symbol of peace, freedom, and respect. A special red and black pin help us honor the fallen, remember our veterans, and show kindness to those who fought for us.
As a Grade 4 class, what remembrance means to us is taking the time to honor everyone who served and fought for us. We remember our loved ones who went to war, those who returned home, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice through their selfless acts. When considering what a veteran is, we see far more than just a soldier. We recognize captains in the army, helpers who supported the troops, and our own family members, like grandfathers and aunts in the Navy who served as heroes, healers, and devoted individuals enduring profound sacrifices. Above all, we recognize that a poppy is a symbol of peace, love, awareness, and deep respect, serving as a heartfelt way we remember the fallen and show thankfulness for the freedom we cherish today.
As a Grade 5 class, what remembrance means to us is centered on honoring the brave soldiers who stood up for Canada, reflecting on those who fought for our country, and recognizing the true gravity of those who risked their lives to keep us safe. When reflecting on what a veteran is, we see courageous individuals who served from the frontlines to the air force, the people who went off to war, faced danger head-on, and fought to help save the world. Ultimately, we understand that a poppy is a symbol of peace, hope, remembrance, and deep respect, standing as a lasting tribute to those who stood up for us, protected our country, and sacrificed in many ways for our freedom.
As a Grade 6 class, what remembrance means to us is far deeper than a single date on the calendar. It is a year-round commitment to remembering the soldiers who fought for our country, honoring their ultimate sacrifices, and reflecting on the precious freedoms, safety, and peace we enjoy today through quiet pauses, stories, and gratitude for all affected by war. When reflecting on what a veteran is, we see far beyond just a soldier. We see a true hero, an individual who selflessly signed a blank check with their life, enduring difficult experiences and sacrificing time away from loved ones to fight for our well-being and a better way of life. Ultimately, we recognize that a poppy is a symbol of respect, love, and sacrifice, serving as a lasting emblem of peace, rebirth, and the fallen heroes who never made it back home.
In closing, we would like to express a deep and heartfelt thank you to Cornwall City Hall and all the city employees who worked alongside us to help make this project possible and bring the cascading poppy vision to life. We are grateful for your support in allowing us to share a connection between art and reflection. You have brought our community together to share history and to remember all who served. Nous nous souviendrons d’eux, we will never forget them.
