Montreal students take part in ‘Poppy Workshop’ ahead of Remembrance Day

Students at Edinburgh Elementary School in Montreal West took part in a ‘Poppy Workshop’ on Wednesday, ahead of Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

Classes had the opportunity to meet members of Je Me Souviens, who run an education program created in collaboration with the Royal Montreal Regiment Foundation.

They led an interactive workshop, teaching students about the history of the poppy, helping them make one of their own, and letting them explore and try on historical uniforms.

“The helmet feels a bit heavy on my head and it’s just really like like big on me,” said Robert McParoand, a grade three student.

Another grade three student, Luana Mendezngarbaz saying, “it’s pretty light, but I feel like it’s going to be heavier when you’re at war.”

After the students learned about the history of the poppy, they were excited to make their own.

“I like poppy because it’s important and it’s helped our life be perfect,” explained Omar Aboushousha a grade three student.

For Je Me Souviens, it was their first in-person poppy workshop since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

All their activities are free for teachers and brings history into the classroom.

“We are affiliated with the Royal Regiment so they provide us with objects, photos of the collection, the archives and resources when we need it,” explained Julien Lehoux, a historian and content creator with Je Me Souviens.

Aglaé Pinsonnault, an outreach coordinator with Je Me Souviens adding, “[it] helps us understand, who we are today, where we’re from. But also to be more in touch with our history.”

“I just think awareness or education about some of these things is important so that they know the story behind why we’re wearing these, why we remember, why we have these moments of reflection,” explained Jagdeep Trehin, a spiritual animator.

The workshop is one of many Remembrance Day activities the English Montreal School Board is holding throughout early November.