High School students from Delia School are on their way to Europe to learn more about the sacrifices that Canadians made in wartime.
The tour called “Canada and the World Wars” will touch on five countries in 10 days. Delia School Social Studies teacher Ellen Vanderkolk explains the tour starts in Berlin, and then they will take the train to the Netherlands (Amsterdam), then Belgium (Ypres), France (Vimy, Normandy and Paris/Versailles) before heading to England (London).
“This is my 5th trip taking students to Europe. We have been arranging a trip every 2 years, to allow students more time to work and fundraise to pay for their tickets,” she explains
This year’s contingent includes eight students from Grade 10-12 and seven adults. The trip reflects the students’ curriculum.
“Every day reflects High School Social Studies curriculum, such as a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, the Berlin Wall, a Cold War Panel Discussion, visiting Anne Frank’s House, Museums and Memorials at Ypres and Normandy (Juno Beach), War memorials and Canadian cemeteries, Vimy Ridge & WWI trenches, the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (Ypres), Paris and Versailles, Canada House and Churchill’s War Rooms in London,” she said.
The students are departing on April 12 and returning on April 23. While they will not be attending the official 100th Anniversary celebrations at Vimy Ridge, they did plan the tour to coincide with the centennial. By having the trip not cross over with the celebrations will allow them to possibly avoid some of the crowds and also tour sites such as the World War 1 trenches that may be closed during the centennial celebrations.
To get there, the students have been working hard to raise the funds to make the trip possible. This includes a number of fundraising events including hot lunches through the school, bottle drives, student auctions and even a comedy evening.
“We are grateful for the community support,” said Vanderkolk.
Beyond the curriculum, the trip offers the students many learning opportunities
“Travel abroad changes students’ lives,” she said. “They leave nervous and come back inspired, courageous and ready to travel again. By visiting other countries, students catch a glimpse of life in other countries -- multiple perspectives and viewpoints as well as gaining an appreciation for what we have here in Canada.”
