Monsignor O’Donoghue Catholic Elementary School hosts Canadian citizenship reaffirmation ceremony

May 11, 2026

On May 11, 2026, the gymnasium at Monsignor O’Donoghue Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough was transformed into a courtroom for the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha’s annual citizen reaffirmation ceremony.

Students in Grades 4 through 8, along with staff, gathered to reaffirm their loyalty and commitment to Canada in a ceremony presided over by retired Justice Alan Ingram. 

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 carried the colours in a formal procession accompanied by a traditional bagpiper.

For over 20 years, the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha has brought this ceremony to local schools. 

Each spring, local schools host the event, which mirrors an official Citizenship Court. 

Following the ceremony, each student received a certificate recognizing their reaffirmation of Canadian citizenship.