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 past students who walked the same halls as we did and sacrificed their lives for a greater future really puts into perspective how important the day truly is. The school community comes together as a whole and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice. That’s what Remembrance Day means to me: always remembering and never forgetting our fallen brothers.”
– Leos Kapasouris, Grade 12
“Remembrance Day at St. Michael’s carries its own weight. Walking past the names of students who once laughed in the same classrooms and walked the same yellow brick halls, then stepped into a world at war, makes the day feel bigger than anything we do in our routine. It reminds me that our comfort was built on somebody’s courage. Every year, the school gathers as one, standing still, in honour of those who gave everything. That’s what Remembrance Day means to me—honouring their sacrifice and holding their stories close. Their legacy lives through us and will forever.”
– Gavin Kelly, Grade 12
“Taking part in the ceremony today reminded me how lucky we are to live in peace. It was powerful to stand in silence and think about those who fought, giving up their past for our future.”
– Maxwell Jackson, Grade 9
“The importance of Remembrance Day cannot be understated. The greatest fear of our soldiers is that their sacrifice would be forgotten. As a school, we remember our brothers so that they can rest easy knowing that they will never be forgotten. Because showing respect is what it means to be a St. Michael’s man.”
– Jacob DaCambra, Grade 12
“The Remembrance Day ceremony really touched my heart. From the speeches to the songs, every moment reminded me of the pain and sacrifice our brothers went through to protect our country. It was a powerful and emotional reminder always to be grateful for the peace that we have today.”
– Austin Eng, Grade 9
“Remembrance Day is of special importance for the St. Michael’s community. Today, we remember not only the soldiers, but also our brothers who walked the same yellow brick halls as we do today. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to look back and reflect within the walls of St. Michael’s.”
– Carson Walsh, Grade 10
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