St. Paul Catholic Elementary School hosts Canadian citizenship ceremony

May 27, 2024

The gymnasium of St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough was transformed into a court on May 27, 2024, during the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha’s citizen reaffirmation ceremony.

Staff and students (grades 4 to 8) were invited to reaffirm their loyalty and commitment to Canada at the ceremony overseen by retired Justice Alan Ingram. 

Ingram spoke about his pride in Canada, pointing out its beautiful landscape and many of the great inventions created here.

In his greetings, Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan spoke about the important role our schools play as a symbol of citizenship.

“It is here where our children learn about the important sacrifices of those who have come before us and where we come to understand and celebrate our great Canadian heroes and heritage,” O’Sullivan said. 

“For families seeking refuge or immigration to Canada, we know that our schools are beacons of opportunity. Filling out a school registration form is often the first step families take when relocating to Canada and the school community becomes an integral part of their new Canadian story.”

The Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha has been hosting citizen reaffirmation ceremonies at local schools for 20 years. Each year a ceremony is hosted at one Catholic and one public school in the spring. The ceremony is a re-enactment of a true Citizenship Court whereby Canadian students and staff reaffirm their loyalty and commitment to Canada. Each student is also provided with a certificate.