Caledonia Catch Up - November 6, 2026
Principal’s Corner
Earlier today, our Caledonia Park community gathered in respectful silence for our annual Remembrance Day assembly. Seeing our students, from our youngest Kindergarteners to our Grade 7 leaders, sitting together with their poppies was a powerful reminder of the respect our school holds for those who have served and continue to serve.
Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of joining Ms. McMurray’s Grade 7 Social Studies class for some incredible, eye-opening conversations. We discussed places that can seem like distant history to our youth, such as the freezing mud of Vimy Ridge in the First World War and the devastating coastal raid at Dieppe in the Second World War. When studying these events, it is easy to view these soldiers merely as names in a textbook. But as I shared with our students, the sacrifice of our Canadian Armed Forces is not a closed chapter in a history book. It is a very real, ongoing commitment.
Just a couple of weeks ago, our province was reminded of this in a heartbreaking way with the military disaster that occurred during an exercise in Wainwright. Brave soldiers lost their lives right here in Alberta, incredibly close to home. It was a tragic reminder that our military personnel continually put themselves in harm's way to ensure our nation remains secure.
I know how difficult it can be to fully grasp the harsh reality of war when you are young. My own grandfather, Chester Simmons, fought in World War II. He was a brave man who made it home physically whole, but he was forever changed. When I was no older than Grade 4, I approached him with a notebook for a school project, expecting exciting stories of adventure. Instead, he went quiet. The memories were simply too difficult, and the unseen scars far too painful to share. That was the day I realized that the true cost of war isn't always visible, and it doesn't end when the guns finally stop firing.
As this newsletter goes out today, November 6th, and we head into our November break, I ask our entire school community to pause and think about that cost. When we are cozy in our warm houses over the coming days, spending time with our families and freely believing in the things we choose to believe in, remember that these everyday moments are a privilege paid for by the sacrifice of others.
During the break, I encourage every family to take in a Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th in some way, shape, or form, whether by attending a local service, observing a moment of silence at home, or watching the national ceremony together. Remember them, and respect it.
Have a safe, restful, and reflective break. We will see everyone back at school on Tuesday, November 17th.
