November 6th, 2015

To kick off their Canadian Citizenship Week, A.R. Kaufman Public School hosted a special citizenship swearing-in ceremony for 31 individuals from 12 different countries.

Students in Grades 4 – 8 gathered in the gym to welcome their special guests and watch as each candidate was sworn in. But before the ceremony could begin, everyone sang the national anthem.

Appearing in front of Citizenship Judge Larry Gravill, the 31 individuals took the oath and gained the rights and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen.

In addition to the students and staff of A.R. Kaufman PS, several other special guests were in attendance: RCMPCorporal Judy Falbo, WW II veteran Mr. Harry Watts, WRDSB Superintendent, Student Achievement & Well-Being Scott Miller, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Chief of Police Bryan Larkin and Waterloo North Elmira Kiwanis Club representative Jaqui McFarlane.

For A.R. Kaufman PS Principal Pam Kaur, the ceremony was more personal. The extra special moment took place when she witnessed her mother take the oath and become a Canadian citizen, “to be able to share that experience with her extended work family was truly a blessing. I’m so proud of my mom.”

After the ceremony, the school hosted a gathering in the library for the newly appointed Canadians where the special guests could congratulate them, get their pictures taken and enjoy some cake and coffee. The library was nicely decorated with Canadian party favours, maple flavoured cookies and a beautiful Canada Flag cake.

To carry the celebration into the week, the diversity at A.R. Kaufman PS was also shown through the flags that were hung around the gym, showing all the countries their staff and students have come from. It was the perfect way to kick-off Canadian Citizenship Week.