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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 6, 2008 - 9 Blakelock helping bring history back to life By Alex Lunan GRADE 12, THOMAS A. BLAKELOCK I magine: You are curled up in your hammock, surrounded by two dozen young men in a cold, damp space smaller than a school classroom. You restlessly try again and again to fall asleep, as you only have four hours before you're back on deck again for gunnery duty. The giant swells of the Atlantic Ocean rock your hammock back and forth, but this is no lullaby. These are the daily rigours of naval life experienced by thousands of young Canadians during the Second World War. Soon, high school students nationwide will have an indepth understanding of the contribution Canada's Navy made to an allied victory in the Second World War, through multiple perspectives and learning experiences. This project about the Battle of The Atlantic, being developed by T.A. Blakelock High School, will bring students closer than ever to the history of Canada's naval efforts, without having to actually leave port. As a student working on the project, I look forward to September 2009, when it will be offered to high schools across the country. This will be to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War and the Battle of the Atlantic. It will then provide an important link to the 100th anniversary of Canada's navy, to be celebrated in 2010. Hopefully, the impact of this endeavour will be realized for many years to come. This innovative idea was made a reality when a Blakelock Canadian history class was conducted on board HMCS Haida in Hamilton. It was a lesson supported by a Second World War naval veteran, who, at 18, participated in the Battle of The Atlantic. The experience was completed with a guided tour of the ship. This successful experiment was a great example of living history; learning in the actual setting from someone who was really there to experience it. We hope that living history will continue to be our mandate as the project is developed. In early July, I was the Blakelock student representative in a photo session aboard the Haida to promote the project. Those present included teachers from Blakelock and a naval historian and author. The most important members of our group were the veterans of the Battle of The Atlantic. They included a German U-boat engineering officer, a crew member of the HMCS Algonquin, and two WRENS (Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service). It was a thrill to meet such brave people and hear their anecdotes that history textbooks simply cannot duplicate. A family trip to Halifax later this summer allowed me to tour the HMCS Sackville, a ship that has been designated Canada's official Naval Memorial by the federal government. All of this summer's learning will be beneficial as we embark on bringing this unique educa- tion initiative to life. The project has the support of Canadian and British naval veterans, as well as a number of naval historians. We are now inviting a British high school and a German high school to help make this an international effort. Personally, this is a very rewarding experience as it makes me feel proud to be a Blakelock student, as our school becomes such an innovator. Most of all, learning about the sacrifices thousands of people made in the war, it makes me feel proud to be a Canadian. If you have a question or concern relating to the provincial government, please do not hesitate to contact me at my community office ­ we're here to help. Community Office 2330 Lakeshore Road West, Unit #2, Oakville, ON L6L 1H3 Email: kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Tel: (905) 827-5141 Fax: (905) 827-3786 A private co-educational day school Preschool to Grade 8 planning a florida florida vacation rates as low as $85/ On your next Florida vacation, don't be satisfied with a `two-bed-andwashroom hotel room' when you can stay in a luxurious and well-appointed condo, Villa or Pool Home! Find homes available at all the popular Florida destinations including Disney World! Empowering the leaders of tomorrow, starting today. An excitement and enthusiasm for learning is fostered through our dynamic programming. night MANY vacation homes to choose from! Choose from Condos, Villas, Pool homes and from 3 to 8 Bedroom homes · Grade 7/8 High School Preparation · Enriched quality educational programming · Exceptional Music, Fine Arts, and Drama programmes · Strong focus on organization and skill development in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Technology All areas of Florida. You choose where you want to be. · Full school facilities · Tours and entrance testing by appointment OPENING 3rd GRADE FOUR CLASS PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE IN SELECTED GRADES Deal ith yw directlner for t the ow dos, on Pool C & Villas mes! Ho IT US AT VIS 2035 Upper Middle Road, East, Oakville (Ford Drive/Q.E.W.) The best place to start planning your Florida Get-Away! (905) 338-6236 www.glenburnieschool.com