Life 4 Student SUJAC's Fall Wrap-up: Events and Advocacy Plans edited by Jessy Kelada
Patricia Chlystek Vice President of External Affairs Hello JAC, As the fall semester is coming to an end, the SUJAC executives have been planning some exciting activities for the student body. We have been working extensively on our four priorities. The one that most students want to hear about is our priority regarding events. Not only have we started to plan some fun events on campus, but we've also been planning events with other anglophone colleges. Firstly, we have “Destress Fest” which will be from November 27 to November 28 in the Agora. This event will help students destress before the final exam period. We will be giving free food, free drinks and everyone's favourite… fuzzy socks!
Source: https://www.sujac.com/
Our second event, which is a staple at John Abbott College, is the multicultural week held in the winter semester. This event requires much planning and preparation, so a committee has been formed to ensure things stay on track. Finally, CASAQ (Coalition of Anglophone Student Associations of Quebec) is in the process of planning a multicultural event with all the anglophone colleges. This event will include food, dancing and much more. Patricia Chlystek, our VP of External Affairs, meets with other student associations on a regular basis to discuss and plan this event. Not only do they meet to brainstorm events, but also about Bill 96 and how it affects students in Quebec. They are planning to write an official state about it which will be published soon. This is a short and concise version of what we are accomplishing, but if students have any concerns or questions, we always welcome you to “P-101”, the student union office. Have a great rest of the semester and we wish you good luck on your final exams.
John Abbott College’s Remembrance Day Ceremony Jessy Kelada Student Life Editor As the echoes of John Abbott College's poignant Remembrance Day ceremony continue to resonate, a deeper understanding of the event's planning and significance emerges, courtesy of an exclusive interview with Bill, one of the organizers. His insights provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the thoughtful orchestration that went into commemorating the sacrifices made by veterans. The ceremony, held on November 9th, unfolded with a symbolic march from the college's agora to the football field, a route serving as a reminder of the veterans’ contributions. With an audience of 1500 to 2000 people, this event saw the active participation of both John Abbott College and McDonald College (MacJac) students, along with local elementary schools, including Dorset and Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Traditional elements such as bagpipers and a bugler added a solemn tone to the ceremony. What sets John Abbott College's observance apart is its commitment to actively involving veterans. Four veterans took the stage to read poems, providing a personal touch to the proceedings. A former John Abbott student, now at McGill, also contributed by reciting a poem written during high school, emphasizing the enduring connection between individuals and the ceremony.
Additionally, community support was evident through the donations collected from the distribution of poppies, which went to the St. Anne de Bellevue Legion, ensuring its maintenance throughout the year. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony was streamed on YouTube, bringing broader accessibility. As the college reflects on the Remembrance Day ceremony, it stands as a testament to the community's commitment to remembrance, education, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans in the name of freedom. The insights from Bill's interview provide a deeper appreciation for the meticulous planning and heartfelt dedication that went into creating a ceremony that resonates even after the day has passed.
