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 J.H. Sisson's students Celena Hoeve, Natalie Demmon, Alex Letzing, Brooke Austen and David Mitchell show off the colourful cards they made to send to Canadian soldiers on peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo |
Kindergarten to Grade 5 students at J.H. Sisson's school crouched over blank postcards in the gym last week, creating colourful images and powerful messages to send to Canadian Armed Forces soldiers on peacekeeping missions in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Last year's postcard project was a big success. It started after a parent suggested it to staff for a Remembrance Day project. Students sent 250 postcards overseas in time for Christmas. The big surprise was the number of responses.
Replies from peacekeepers came trickling in the new year, with stories from Kabul and messages of appreciation.
Soldier from Sisson's
This year, another connection was made as former Sisson's student Sergeant Tavis Beaubier is organizing the effort from his post as a soldier in Kabul.
Teacher Shirley Zouboules added a couple of changes as well. The entire school body is involved and colour was added to the postcards.
Each student also brought a pencil and notebook to add to three boxes of school supplies for Afghan children, which will make their way to a base in Trenton, Ont., before heading overseas.
"It makes sense to them. It makes it real," said Zouboules of student reactions to the project.
During a holiday of remembrance, these students were making new connections to Canadians involved in peacekeeping efforts overseas. "When they get the cards, they'll likely feel a lot more courage coming out," said Natalie Demmon, 9.
David Mitchell, age 11, hopes his support of the peacekeepers gives them that extra boost "to keep making peace."
"They'll be encouraged that someone cares enough to write a letter," said the Grade 5 student.
Even the younger students understand the importance of the contact, even if they don't quite grasp the situation.
"We are sad the people have to fight in the war, but we're proud that they do it," said Celena Hoeve, 6.
The messages of hope will be packaged up and sent to CFB Trenton to be shipped to Operation Athena in time for Christmas.
