Niagara Advance, January 21, 2010
by Matt Day
When most students learn about Canadian history, they do so from reading textbooks.
Niagara-on-the-Lake students, though, have the unique opportunity of re-living some of their country's significant history lessons by living in the oldest town in Canada.
On Feb. 1, students from Parliament Oak School will head to Queen's Park to take part in the official unveiling of a Bicentennial Map outlining some of Niagara's most historic sites and paths.
The map is being distributed to Grade 7 through Grade 12 students, museums and tourism outlets in Niagara.
"It will be a great teaching tool that will allow teachers to physically show their students some of the history in their own backyard," said the school's principal, Charlene Hadfield.
The map features 125 points of interest related to the War of 1812 organized along six historical trails, including Brock's Last Ride, Fort George to Stoney Creek, Laura Secord's Trek and the Last American Invasion.
Each has a historical narrative which describes the events associated with it.
Three students from Parliament Oak's student council were chosen to represent the Niagara region at the official ceremony being held at the Lieutenant Governor's office in Toronto.
Hadfield said she thinks it will be a great opportunity for the students to see how a real parliament operates and hopes they can bring that knowledge back to their own student council.
The formal affair doesn't have Lila Bata-Walsh worried. The Grade 8 student said she is excited to see who will be at the presentation.
"Being chosen to go is really cool," she said. "I think it will be really interesting to see who is going to be there, why they are there and how it will affect them."
The map is already available online by going to www.discover1812.com. The website also features many other historical facts that will interest anyone living in Niagara.
Hadfield said she hopes the students gain a sense of pride from reading the map.
"It's great to have the kids get a better understanding of where they're from, their roots and what helped shape Niagara-on-the-Lake into what it is today."
She said more field trips and hikes could be implemented into the curriculum thanks to the detailed map.
Source: Niagara Advance