At All Saints High School, remembrance isn’t confined to a single day in November — it’s a powerful, year-round journey that brings history to life in unforgettable ways. In Vanessa Kirtz’s history class, over 300 students have stepped into the shoes of Canadian soldiers from the Second World War, uncovering their stories and honouring their sacrifices. Through a unique and deeply personal research project, students have explored the lives of 189 soldiers buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands.
What started as a classroom assignment has blossomed into something far greater — a living tribute that blends Deep Learning, spiritual growth, and global citizenship into a truly transformative educational experience.
A Canadian Story of Sacrifice and Liberation
During World War II, Canadian soldiers played a critical role in liberating the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Starting in late 1944, the First Canadian Army pushed through the country, ultimately freeing Dutch cities that had suffered under years of occupation and famine. More than 6,700 Canadians gave their lives in this effort. The people of the Netherlands have never forgotten their bravery.
The bond between our two countries remains strong, honoured through traditions like the Ottawa Tulip Festival, which began when the Netherlands sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada in gratitude after the war.
Learning With Purpose: The All Saints Project
Inspired by this history, All Saints teacher Ms. Kirtz guides her students in researching individual soldiers buried in Groesbeek. Each student is assigned a name, not just a soldier, but a person with a story, a family, and a legacy. Students dig deep, uncovering details about their soldier’s life, service, and sacrifice. They write personal reflections and short stories, some displayed in the school lobby or read aloud during the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
As Vanessa shared, this project is “a way to prevent heroes from being forgotten over time.”
Ten years ago, she travelled to Groesbeek as a trip supervisor during the 70th anniversary of the liberation. This spring, she returned for the 80th anniversary. She stood among the graves (including 60 belonging to Indigenous soldiers) and saw first-hand how deeply the Dutch people still honour Canada’s role. Veterans were welcomed with flags, music, and gratitude as thousands lined the streets, draping Canadian flags from balconies.
Deep Learning in Action
The All Saints remembrance project reflects the OCSB’s commitment to Deep Learning. Students aren’t just learning about World War II from textbooks — they’re connecting emotionally, historically, and spiritually to what it means to serve, sacrifice, and remember.
They’re building global competencies:
- Citizenship, by understanding Canada’s place in global history
- Character, through empathy and remembrance
- Critical thinking, by conducting historical research
- Communication and creativity, by writing stories and sharing them with others
- Collaboration, by working as part of a shared mission of memory
This isn’t just learning — it’s transformation.
A Spiritual Journey of Remembrance
The project also reflects this year’s Spiritual Theme at OCSB: “We Are Called to Open Doors.” Through their research, students are opening doors to the past, giving voice to stories long buried, and creating space for reflection, compassion, and remembrance. They’re learning what it means to honour the dignity of every life, and to see God’s presence in the courage of others.
Quoting the famous cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead, Ms. Kirtz reminds us:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Her students are living proof.
This project shows that when we open the doors of history, we open hearts and minds too, helping students grow into compassionate, engaged citizens who understand that the past is not just behind us, but within us.
