St. Michael’s College School Remembers
The St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) community gathered on Tuesday, November 11, to honour Remembrance Day. Originally called Armistice Day, beginning in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War, and later renamed Remembrance Day in 1931, when the day was fixed to November 11 each year. This year, SMCS students commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (1939-1945) and honoured the 93 men of St. Michael’s who gave their lives in that conflict. During Remembrance Week, Grade 10 history students honoured their fallen brothers by inscribing their names on poppies. These large-scale poppies were prominently displayed on the Bathurst St. fence alongside a replica of our memorial wall. Inside the school, a visual display of the Second World War timeline was set up near the chapel, with members of the community adding images of family members who served and other commemorative items. In addition, morning prayers were dedicated to various reflections, including the contributions of Indigenous Canadians to the Canadian Forces, the 110th anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Ypres, and the 110th anniversary of the writing of In Flanders Fields. The service on November 11 featured an address from Sub-Lt. Jack Murphy ’16, naval officer. Murphy spoke about his career path, including the various postings he’s had, along with the impact this day continues to have on him. Just two weeks after graduating from SMCS, Murphy joined the Canadian Armed Forces. He completed an honours degree in political science from Royal Military College and a master’s in arts from Carleton University. Murphy is now posted to HMCS Ottawa following his promotion to sub-lieutenant, and resides in Victoria, B.C., with his partner Naomi. Read a selection of testimonials from our students: “Remembrance Day always feels a little more special at St. Michael’s. Seeing all the names of
