A Whitby school’s connection to its namesake will have a new place in its hallways after Captain Michael VandenBos’s family donated uniforms from his Canadian Forces Snowbirds service during a 25th-anniversary celebration.
Captain Michael VandenBos Public School brought together students, staff, alumni, families and community members on October 3. Details were shared in a Durham District School Board release carried by Education News Canada on October 15 and in a Durham Radio News report that morning.
A gift for future students
The board says the uniforms will be displayed at the school, giving future generations a tangible connection to VandenBos’s service and the legacy reflected in the school’s name.
Original principal Claire Boychyn, who opened the school in 2001, returned for the anniversary. Students spoke about representing that legacy and performed Bollywood and hip-hop dances.
Principal Kristin Ferron thanked the generations of families, staff and students who have contributed to the community. The celebration also included a barbecue, face painting, cotton candy and activities for families. Memorabilia offered a look back through the school’s history.
Separate from September’s flypast
This report concerns the October anniversary gathering and family donation, not the previously announced September back-to-school flypast. The celebration’s focus was the school community and the history it will preserve for students.
Sources
- DDSB-authored anniversary release, published by Education News Canada, October 15
- Durham Radio News, October 15
Featured image: original editorial illustration, not a photograph of the people, place or event.
