April 24, 2009
DSBN Students Explore Canadian Heritage at 2009 Historica Fair
Students at the District School Board of Niagara will be taking a look back through time next week at the sixth annual Regional Historica Fair being held in St. Catharines from April 29 – 30.
Nearly 200 student projects celebrating the many different aspects of Canadian history will be on display. Students from Grades four to eight from across Niagara competed at school level Historica Fairs to qualify for the regional fair. From the Regional Fair, five students and their projects will be selected to move on to Ottawa for the provincial fair happening in June and one student will be chosen to attend the national fair, also happening in Ottawa, in July.
The Historica Fairs Program encourages students to explore Canadian Heritage in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Students use the medium of their choice to tell stories about Canadian heroes, legends, milestones and achievements.
DSBN History Consultant Elizabeth Freeman-Shaw says this year’s fair includes many projects that highlight students’ personal connection to history. “At last year’s fair, the Board celebrated Connaught Public School’s link to Air Commodore Len Birchall, a local war hero. That event inspired many students to look inward and investigate their own families’ contribution to history and the significant events that happened in their own neighbourhoods. As a result, this year’s fair will feature several projects about the history of family names, students’ genealogy, as well as the history of their homes, streets and communities,” says Freeman-Shaw.
Furthering the connection to the legacy of Air Commodore Birchall, members of the Birchall family will participate as judges in this year’s regional fair.
“Participating in the Historica program is an excellent way for students to explore Canadian heritage and develop effective research skills,” adds Freeman-Shaw. “Preparing and presenting these projects also allows students to develop essential oral, written and visual literacy skills.”
At the Regional Fair, students will also have the opportunity to take part in several exciting and insightful workshops being presented by local organizations. Workshops taking place on April 30 include “Tracking Laura’s Shadow – Following Laura Secord’s Footsteps”, “Niagara’s Aboriginal Heritage” and “Escape to Freedom: The Underground Railroad”.
During the opening ceremonies on Wednesday, April 29, students from Maple Grove Public School will show off their dramatic talents with a performance of “Lost”, directed by Jerome Black. DSBN Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki will also be on hand to deliver greetings from the Board. Lt. Colonel Bernard Nehring from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment will offer a tribute to all Canadian Heroes, many of whom will be featured in projects displayed at the fair.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 29, Thursday, April 30
Time: Opening Ceremonies take place Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Fair begins with a group photo on Thursday, April 30 at 8:45 a.m.
Location: Ridley College, 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines