On November 23, 2011, students and staff at St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School welcomed Rear Admiral Andrew Smith, Canadian Navy Veteran, and Carol Mitchell, whose son, Corporal Robert James Mitchell, lost his life in Afghanistan, along with members from Bronte Legion #486.
Below is a reflection of that day, as written by Ally Dandy, Grade 8 student at St. Dominic’s Catholic Elementary School:
On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School had some very special guests, who left an inspiring foot print in all of our lives.
Through the hard work and dedication of creating the Bronte Veterans Garden and making posters and writing letters to the family of our fallen soldiers in Afghanistan, we received the amazing opportunity for Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith to visit our school from Ottawa, Ontario. We also received the support of two members of the Bronte Legion. Finally, we also welcomed Mrs. Carol Mitchell, whose son, Cpl. Robert James Mitchell lost his life in Afghanistan.
Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith was in the Canadian Navy and brought to our attention that the Navy also does a lot of hard work in areas that are in need, such as Haiti. Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith was greeted by many Grade 7 students waving Canadian flags and homemade cards. He made it very clear that he’s never been to a place where he has felt so welcomed.
During Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith’s presentation, he explained that receiving a school education is very important. He said getting a great education as a student can boost and help you decide what you want to do when you’re older, as there are so many possibilities in our world today. He said that we should find something that we are passionate about and that we really enjoy.
Mrs. Carol Mitchell was also greeted by students with cards. We presented Mrs. Mitchell with her homemade poster and letter made from a Grade 8 student. She also spoke to us about the difference that one individual can make. She is truly an inspiring woman by what she does for us and what her son has done for our country.
We believe that living through solidarity and human dignity not only benefits the people who we assist, but also ourselves, the helpers who learn that even participating in a small part of a class project can leave such a strong impact on someone’s family and on the outside community.
"St. Dominic School would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell for coming to our school to receive a beautiful poster, which was created by student Ally D," says Josey Guerin, Vice-Principal at St. Dominic's Catholic School. "We are grateful to their son for his ultimate sacrifice for our country. We thank Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith for visiting our school and sending a clear message about the importance of education and the importance of speaking both of our National languages. We thank veterans, Mr. Jack McCoombs and Mr. Mike Vencel for joining us as well as representatives from MP Mr. Terrance Youngs' office as well as Mrs. Rabenda from the Halton Catholic District School Board."