Three Sussex, New Brunswick teachers have been recognized for their exceptional
contributions to the understanding of Canadian history. They are the recipients of the 2016
Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Dr. Brian Clancy, Mme. Lisa Sheppard, and Mme. Catherine Morneault of Sussex Middle
School will share the award--one of just six presented across Canada. They have been
acknowledged for jointly developing a project that saw their grade six French immersion
students craft a book-length collection of short essays to commemorate the upcoming 100th
anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War.
Each student wrote an essay that detailed a particular Vimy experience—ranging from the
muddy misery of trench life to Billy Bishop’s victory over the Red Baron.
“People love stories about people, and kids are no different,” says Clancy, “so the best way to
explore the war is by exploring the stories behind the key characters. For example, they were
fascinated by the assassination of the Austrian archduke and his wife—a celebrity royal couple
whose killing initiated the war. They related to that event even though it happened more than
100 years ago.”
Ultimately, the students’ book of Vimy essays included a range of experiences that help explain
how the battle for Vimy Ridge helped shape our Canadian identity, and was shared beyond the
Sussex community: The book was mailed to local libraries; to the 8th Hussars Museum; to
students in Nijmegen, Holland who tend the graves of Canadian soldiers; and to Queen
Elizabeth.
Winning teachers will be presented their award by Governor General David Johnston at Rideau
Hall on November 28. Each award comes with a cash prize of $2,500, and the recipients’
schools are also each awarded $1,000.
“This award celebrates the very best in Canadian teaching in the field of history and heritage,”
says Janet Walker, President and CEO of Canada’s History, which administers the award. “The
winning teachers have found innovative and imaginative way to help students understand the
links between past and present, and how our history shapes who we are today.”
For more information about the award-winning projects, including podcasts, photos and lessons