Allison
I was born and currently live in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. I graduated from Mount Pearl Senior High in 2009 through the province's Early French Immersion stream. It was during my high school years that I found my passion for history through school trips to Europe and knew I wanted to make this discipline into a career. I started Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2009 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History with a minor in English in 2013. During this undergraduate degree I focused on Holocaust studies, twentieth century history, and was President of the MUN History Society. In 2014 I graduated from Memorial with a Master of Arts in History and wrote my Master's Thesis on the Kindertransport. The following year I graduated again from Memorial through the Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Secondary) program and served as Co-President of the MUN Intermediate/Secondary Education Society. Since graduation I have continued my volunteerism with Admiralty House Communications Museum and have been a substitute teacher. In my spare time I enjoy reading, photography, watching tv, and spending time with friends and family.
I found out about this tour from a former colleague who participated during our Master's degree in 2014. Since I love history, education, and travel, I thought this would be a great opportunity to further merge my interests while enhancing my knowledge and skills through professional development. I am an advocate for adapting knowledge and skills from past to present experiences, and I believe this trip will allow me to further myself personally and professionally - whether inside or outside of the classroom. I'm excited to meet fellow historians and educators and soak up as much as I can learn from this trip!
I found out about this tour from a former colleague who participated during our Master's degree in 2014. Since I love history, education, and travel, I thought this would be a great opportunity to further merge my interests while enhancing my knowledge and skills through professional development. I am an advocate for adapting knowledge and skills from past to present experiences, and I believe this trip will allow me to further myself personally and professionally - whether inside or outside of the classroom. I'm excited to meet fellow historians and educators and soak up as much as I can learn from this trip!
VanessaVanessa Johnson currently teaches with Edmonton Public Schools. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta's Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Education. In 2012, Vanessa had the privilege of working at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France as a bilingual interpretive guide. It was while giving tours at these commemorative sites that she developed a passion for educating the public about Canada's military history and Remembrance. Since her return to Canada, Vanessa has been involved in a number of initiatives centered on educating the public about the First World War and Remembrance. She makes history presentations to Social Studies classes, curates and installs temporary museum exhibits, and is involved in school Remembrance Day ceremonies. She will be volunteering at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial on 1 July 2016, assisting her former supervisors during the centenary ceremony that will commemorate Newfoundland's sacrifice on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
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Vanessa is very excited to participate in the Teachers' Professional Development Tour! She is looking forward to traveling through northern France and Flanders to gain a deeper understanding of Canada's contributions to the First World War and Second World War. She is also keen to connect with History and Social Studies teachers from across Canada to discuss best practices in teaching and assessing Social Studies. Plus, she can't wait to once again experience French culture and cuisine!
VéroniqueOriginally from Québec City. Living in Fredericton for the past 7 years. French Immersion Social Studies teacher at Fredericton High School. Last year, went to the Netherlands for a study tour with the Gregg Center. Decided to begin a master while teaching full time. First course, this trip! Far from being a war specialist, quite excited about learning on the ground. Hopefully, won't die of a heart attack from the roaring of the animated Lee.
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Armand
A passionate and award winning educator, leader and business professional with a unique combination of entrepreneurial, teaching and inspirational speaking experience. He is well known for his strong leadership and motivational abilities, having led extra-curricular groups and teams of teachers to success in health, education and personal goals. Armand is the president and founder of the Ironwill Foundation and a part of the team of teachers that brough Harry Potter to life connecting the school to over 1.8 million people worldwide. He is driven to make a difference in his students lives and wants to every student to inspire, educate, and empower others to reaching their full potential.
Kate
Hi, I’m Kate Sisk. I’m a New Brunswicker born and raised. My background is in Classics and Math, and I’ve been teaching part-time at UNB in the faculty of Arts for about 10 years. I’m on a mini sabbatical this year, but by day I also work for Engineers & Geoscientists NB, the regulatory body for these professions in the province.
Brad
Major Brad Hrycyna joined the Canadian Forces on 18 June 1975. He initially joined the Regular Force as an armour officer and then transferred to the Saskatchewan Dragoons in November of 1977 in the rank of lieutenant. He was promoted captain on 16 March 1978. He served with that regiment in the capacity of troop leader, battle captain and operations officer until October 1983. He was then transferred to Saskatchewan Militia District Headquarters where he served as a staff officer in the logistics, operations and personnel branches. He was promoted to his present rank in May of 1990.
With the amalgamation of Saskatchewan and Manitoba Districts into 38 Canadian Brigade Group Major Hrycyna was appointed as the Administrative Officer for the Regina Garrison. In July 2000 he was appointed as Senior Staff Officer for the Regina Garrison. In 2006 his duties expanded to include the transport and supply functions of the garrison and his title was changed to Officer Commanding the Regina Garrison Support Company.
In addition to these positions Major Hrycyna has served at training facilities in Dundurn and Wainwright as course officer and as a standards officer. He is qualified as a demolition instructor, combat team commander, reconnaissance squadron commander and is a graduate of both the Militia Command and Staff Course and Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course. He served on domestic operations as a staff officer during the Winnipeg flood of 1997, as a Domestic Response Company (DRC) commander during the Kelowna forest fires of 2003 and as a DRC commander for the Manitoba floods of 2011.
On 1 February 2003 Maj Hrycyna was appointed as Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan Dragoons. He remained as Officer Commanding Regina Garrison Support Company. He has been awarded the Canada 125 Medal, Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration 2, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, the Chief of Defence Staff’s Commendation and Land Force Western Area Command Team Commendation. In March of 2012 he was appointed as an Aide-de-camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. He handed over command of the Saskatchewan Dragoons on 31 March 2012 and retired from the military on 2 April 2012. He continued to serve in his capacity as an aide and during this time was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Presently he serves as the president of the Royal United Services Institute, on the Board of Governors of the Corps of Commissionaires South Saskatchewan, ob the Board of the Last Post Fund, on the board of the Saskatchewan War Memorial Committee and as a member on the committees for the Vimy 2017 commemoration and national Support our Troops Gala 2016.
Major Hrycyna was born in North Battleford Saskatchewan and grew up in Swift Current Saskatchewan where he attended high school and spent five years as an Army Cadet. He is a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Technology Program at the Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Technical Institute Campus. At the time of his retirement he resided in Regina.
With the amalgamation of Saskatchewan and Manitoba Districts into 38 Canadian Brigade Group Major Hrycyna was appointed as the Administrative Officer for the Regina Garrison. In July 2000 he was appointed as Senior Staff Officer for the Regina Garrison. In 2006 his duties expanded to include the transport and supply functions of the garrison and his title was changed to Officer Commanding the Regina Garrison Support Company.
In addition to these positions Major Hrycyna has served at training facilities in Dundurn and Wainwright as course officer and as a standards officer. He is qualified as a demolition instructor, combat team commander, reconnaissance squadron commander and is a graduate of both the Militia Command and Staff Course and Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course. He served on domestic operations as a staff officer during the Winnipeg flood of 1997, as a Domestic Response Company (DRC) commander during the Kelowna forest fires of 2003 and as a DRC commander for the Manitoba floods of 2011.
On 1 February 2003 Maj Hrycyna was appointed as Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan Dragoons. He remained as Officer Commanding Regina Garrison Support Company. He has been awarded the Canada 125 Medal, Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration 2, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, the Chief of Defence Staff’s Commendation and Land Force Western Area Command Team Commendation. In March of 2012 he was appointed as an Aide-de-camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. He handed over command of the Saskatchewan Dragoons on 31 March 2012 and retired from the military on 2 April 2012. He continued to serve in his capacity as an aide and during this time was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Presently he serves as the president of the Royal United Services Institute, on the Board of Governors of the Corps of Commissionaires South Saskatchewan, ob the Board of the Last Post Fund, on the board of the Saskatchewan War Memorial Committee and as a member on the committees for the Vimy 2017 commemoration and national Support our Troops Gala 2016.
Major Hrycyna was born in North Battleford Saskatchewan and grew up in Swift Current Saskatchewan where he attended high school and spent five years as an Army Cadet. He is a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Technology Program at the Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Technical Institute Campus. At the time of his retirement he resided in Regina.
Shayna
My name is Shayna and I grew up in small town Saskatchewan and am now teaching in another small town in Saskatchewan. My love of history stems from being surrounded by others who love history, including my father, a close family friend and others who thrive from learning and expanding their knowledge. I convocated in 2011 from the University of Regina with a Bachelor Degree in Social Studies Education. Ever since starting my teaching career I have been hoping to expand my knowledge and improve my teaching through finding new and interesting ways to pass on history and its lessons to students. I am very excited to see and learn during this trip.
Greg
In 2008 I retired having spent 35 years with the federal government employed as an Agrologist in the area of agricultural finance. I had the opportunity to live and work in Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan and travel to every province in Canada in a professional capacity. In 1982 I joined the Primary Reserve Military and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant as a Security Officer. Over a 21 year career in the Reserves, I fulfilled a number of roles within 16 Service Battalion and retired as the Deputy Commanding Officer with the rank of Major in 2004. Over my military career I was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Canadian Forces Decoration and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. I also had the privilege of serving as Aide de Camp to three Lieutenant Governors of Saskatchewan over a 15 year period.
I maintain affiliation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, The Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal United Services Institute. My interests include travel and military history. Over the years I have had the opportunity to combine both interests as I have been on three trips to Europe which focused on World War I and World War II campaigns. I consider myself to be semi-retired as I maintain casual employment with the Corp of Commissionaires as an instructor.
I maintain affiliation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, The Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal United Services Institute. My interests include travel and military history. Over the years I have had the opportunity to combine both interests as I have been on three trips to Europe which focused on World War I and World War II campaigns. I consider myself to be semi-retired as I maintain casual employment with the Corp of Commissionaires as an instructor.
Catherine
I love history and am excited to get to go to France to learn more. At the retirement home where I work the residents tell me stories about how their life used to be, and its like living history every time I go to work. I am going into Grade 11 at SFDCI and went to Lombardy with two of the other students going on the trip. I am a gymnast at Saltos Athletics in Perth, love music, and golf.
Ben
Hello my name is Ben Seward and I am one of the tour leaders. I am going into grade 11 and I thoroughly enjoy these tours. I like the conversations that the group has each day and the questions people ask of the leaders. I never get tired of exploring historical issues and this year some of my friends be will with me so I can share this experience. My job on the tour has changed from being the shrapnel collector for the group to being the student contact for teachers to ask questions about education. I usually finance my tour by collecting fines from Lee every time he swears but now he doesn't pay me as he was going broke. Since I started working on these tours I have discovered how teachers work to create lessons for the classroom.
I really enjoy sports like soccer, football and baseball. I love music and playing the guitar, harmonica and banjo and I am in a band.
Lee and Cindy are like second parents to me even though my mom believes Lee is trying to get me a criminal record.
I really enjoy sports like soccer, football and baseball. I love music and playing the guitar, harmonica and banjo and I am in a band.
Lee and Cindy are like second parents to me even though my mom believes Lee is trying to get me a criminal record.
Jacob
My name in Jacob Bland and I live in Lombardy, ON, that’s outside of Smiths Falls. Growing up in the country has been great as I enjoy four wheeling, dirt biking, hiking and camping. I also enjoy sports like football and rugby. I have been playing football since I was 8 years old and started rugby this year in high school, and I love it.
I am a student at SFDCI entering grade 11. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a geologist. Attending high school has opened my mind to other possibilities, I now have a great interest in history and computer science.
I am excited about our trip to France and Belgium. I have heard the stories that Ben and Mr. Seward have shared about there experiences over the years and it has always intrigued me. I can’t wait to experience them first hand. This trip it extra special for me as I am getting to share it with my Poppa (Jim Wiltsie), who is a history fanatic himself.
I am a student at SFDCI entering grade 11. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a geologist. Attending high school has opened my mind to other possibilities, I now have a great interest in history and computer science.
I am excited about our trip to France and Belgium. I have heard the stories that Ben and Mr. Seward have shared about there experiences over the years and it has always intrigued me. I can’t wait to experience them first hand. This trip it extra special for me as I am getting to share it with my Poppa (Jim Wiltsie), who is a history fanatic himself.
Jim W
My name is James Albert Wiltsie and I am 59 years old. I was born in Montreal, Quebec. We then moved to Smiths Falls, Ontario when I was about one year old and grew up there. I have two younger sisters and two younger brothers. My mom is still alive but unfortunately, my dad passed away three years ago.
I attended St Lawrence College for the Developmental Services program and worked with individuals that needed care.
I am named after my uncle, who died in the Second World War. He was buried in Bergen-op-Zoom in the lowlands of the Netherlands, I always wanted to go and see his gravesite. His death has always given me an increased interest in the history of the wars. My grandfather Azar James Wiltsie who was in the Great War, an Uncle Harold Wiltsie was in the Second World War both of them survived. Uncle Harold always the story of meeting his brother Albert at an intersection. They were able to visit for 5 minutes, That was the last time he saw his brother.
I had no idea that I going on this trip, I thought my wife Mary was pulling my leg when she told me. I called my grandson Jacob and asked what he thought it would be like if I could go along on the trip, his response was that would be awesome. I could not be happier sharing this experience with him.
I attended St Lawrence College for the Developmental Services program and worked with individuals that needed care.
I am named after my uncle, who died in the Second World War. He was buried in Bergen-op-Zoom in the lowlands of the Netherlands, I always wanted to go and see his gravesite. His death has always given me an increased interest in the history of the wars. My grandfather Azar James Wiltsie who was in the Great War, an Uncle Harold Wiltsie was in the Second World War both of them survived. Uncle Harold always the story of meeting his brother Albert at an intersection. They were able to visit for 5 minutes, That was the last time he saw his brother.
I had no idea that I going on this trip, I thought my wife Mary was pulling my leg when she told me. I called my grandson Jacob and asked what he thought it would be like if I could go along on the trip, his response was that would be awesome. I could not be happier sharing this experience with him.
Willow
My name is Willow MacSorley and I am from a small town near Sarnia, Ontario called Brigden. I attended Wilfrid Laurier University where I studied History and North American Studies. This is where my love of Canadian Military history developed through interesting classes and involvement at LCMSDS. After graduating, I moved to Fredericton to complete my Bachelor of Education at UNB. Once I finished the program there, I moved to Northern Saskatchewan to teach in a small Dene community. I am currently teaching grade 9 and 10 ELA and History. I have completed two years there and will be returning for a third. I am extremely excited about the tour and cannot wait to meet new people, discuss history, and discover new ways to improve my teaching.
JordanI’m a Grade 11 student at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute. I’ve loved history in all its different forms my entire life. I like to take part in many different extra-curricular activities such as Student’s Council, Reach for the Top, Improv Comedy and Robotics. Next year I’m hoping to be part of the High School’s musical performance. I am currently working, as a summer student, at the local historical society in my hometown as an assistant researcher. Over the course of my life I have participated in a great deal of athletics, such as baseball, football, rugby, hockey, and curling. This winter I was fortunate to be selected to be a flagbearer for Team Manitoba at 2016 Tim Horton`s Brier.
My family and I have done a lot of travelling across eastern North America and around the Caribbean and on each of our vacations we’ve sought out as many historical sites as we could. Some of my favourites have been the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico, as well as at Altun Ha, in Belize along with the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal in San Juan. I have always wanted to travel to France to experience the culture and to take in of all its unique history. Following high school I’m planning on perusing a degree in History and continuing on to become a teacher. Being a teacher will allow me to share my love of history and hopefully allow me to travel and see interesting things during the summers. |
I’m looking forward to this trip as it will be a great life experience, it will help when applying for a history program at university, and teach me a great deal about a subject I am passionate about.
Eryn
My name is Eryn Hewson, I’m going into grade 11 at SFDCI. I enjoy learning and my favourite subject is History, I’m very excited to be going on this tour. (I would say that Mr. Seward is favourite teacher but my other teachers may read this so I won’t)
I love travelling and plan to see the world someday starting with this trip!
When I find some free time I enjoy reading, playing soccer and playing guitar. I have a passion for photography and I'm looking forward to having lots photo opportunities while on this trip.
I love travelling and plan to see the world someday starting with this trip!
When I find some free time I enjoy reading, playing soccer and playing guitar. I have a passion for photography and I'm looking forward to having lots photo opportunities while on this trip.
CarlaHi! I'm Carla Peck, originally from Nova Scotia but like many Maritimers, I'm now living in Alberta (Edmonton). I am Associate Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of Alberta, where I've been working since 2007. Before that, I was an elementary teacher (French and Social Studies) in New Brunswick. I have been involved in many different aspects of history education, including teaching history to elementary students, researching the relationship between high school students' ethnic identities and their understandings of "historical significance" in Canadian history, teaching prospective teachers how to teach history, engaging teachers in long-term professional development in history education, and as one of the founding board members of the Historical Thinking Project, which I helped Dr. Peter Seixas launch in 2006. I'm always looking for exciting and challenging opportunities for my own professional growth, some of which have included taking University of Alberta students to Ghana for a course on Global Citizenship (2009, 2010), and most recently (summer 2015), spending two weeks in Singapore working with history teachers on teaching historical thinking. I'm really excited about this tour and about what I will learn from my fellow tour-mates!
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