| 15 January 2008, Belleville, Ontario—A group of Centennial students is participating in a nationwide tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Ortona, 65 years ago. These students will travel to Ortona, Italy in November 2008 to participate in a variety of ceremonies commemorating the battle.
The students will be assigned the name of a fallen soldier who came from this area. They will finish the journey into the city that these valiant soldiers were unable to complete. Students will participate in a recreation of the Christmas dinner shared between the village residents and the Canadian forces in Ortona in 1943. They will also visit the soldiers’ graves.
This trip is part of a nationwide program being organized by Dave Robinson, a teacher from Durham, who also organized a “Return to Vimy Ridge” last year. The goal of the Canadian group is to have 6000 students attend the tribute. Because so many of the soldiers came from Prince Edward and Hastings counties, the organizers are keen on sending as many students as possible from this area on the trip.
Amy McConnell and Teri Cook, teachers at Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, will lead their students. Area residents can help in this tribute by participating in the many fundraising activities. For example, Centennial students will be participating in a walk-a-thon, running a car wash, and conducting a silent auction.
More information can be found online at the trip Web site: http://www.ortona.ca or by contacting Centennial Secondary School at 613-962-9233.
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 17,100 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of approximately 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.
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For more information, contact:
• Teri Cook, Teacher, Centennial Secondary School, 613-962-9233 ext 3440
• Amy McConnell, Teacher, Centennial Secondary School, 613-962-9233, ext 3431
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354
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