Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2025, was a day of solemn reflection and learning as St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) staff and students marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“We mark the day because we believe it is important for students and staff to learn about the tragic legacy of residential schools and the impact on Indigenous families and children who still feel the effects today,” says Sarah D’Angelo, SMCS Director of Human Resources and Policy Coordinator. D’Angelo is also a member of the school’s Indigenous Education Committee.
Staff and students took time out of their day to participate in an interactive walk where they learned more about why we observe this day, while creating space for meaningful conversation about residential schools and our responsibility as Canadians.
“The main goal of the Indigenous Education Committee is to provide opportunities for students and staff to learn more about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, to understand more about their past and their present, and what reconciliation might mean to all of us,” says D’Angelo. “For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is to gain a better understanding of the history and legacy of residential schools.”
Large informational placards placed along a pathway beginning at the Centre for the Arts, around the front garden, Students’ Arch, and ending just inside the South Bathurst St. doors, helped engage and educate our school community in an interactive way.
“This is not a comfortable or easy topic to learn about, and the school is proud of how our students were observant and respectful during the day.”
In the days leading up to September 30, staff and students watched brief information sessions over the morning announcements. There was a particular focus on this year being the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.
“We also raised money and clothing donations for Na Me Res, an Indigenous culture-based organization that operates in our neighbourhood and assists Indigenous men experiencing homelessness and provides outreach, temporary, transitional, permanent housing, and much more,” says D’Angelo.
The event demonstrated a school-wide effort, with faculty helping to prepare students during the morning announcements, facilities staff setting up for the day’s activities, and students volunteering their time selling orange shirts or making clothing donations.
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