Chisholm Middle School Students Visit Quebec City
Bright and early on Monday, May 15th, Chisholm students in grades 7-9 arrived at the school, suitcases in tow for a week-long trip to Quebec City. Once the motor coach pulled in, the students and staff boarded and set off on a long bus ride.
After several hours on the bus, students arrived safely in Old Quebec and enjoyed a lovely meal in a café. Then they spent the evening on a walking tour of Lower Town and explored some of the historical sites including the oldest church, the Funicular and various statues of historical figures.
The next morning students headed back to Old Town and visited the Musèe to Fort to learn about the 400 year battle for Quebec City. The sound and light show taught students about the on-going battle between the French and English for dominance over Quebec and explained its historical vantage points of the cliffs, walls and plains. Students were given the chance to show off their historical knowledge with a quiz after the show.
Students also enjoyed a tour of the ruins below the board walk at the Chateau Frontenac where the recently discovered remains of the Governor’s house from the 18th Century are open to the public. Artifacts included hair combs, china dishes and stone ovens. Students enjoyed learning about the history associated with each object.
The historical experience continued as the students walked through the old city towards the famed Plains of Abraham to experience what life might have been life for a British soldier in the early 19th Century at the Martello Tower. Students interacted with the guide, who was in period costume, as they learned how to load training muskets, learned about military punishments and participated in a scavenger hunt.
That night students headed to the Sugar Shack to enjoy a traditional Quebecois meal and entertainment. They ate their fill of pea soup, baked beans and other delicious treats before learning about maple syrup production and buying souvenirs.
The next day, students enjoyed a tour of Saint Ann du Beauport Basilica, an ornate church filled with statues and detailed art work. Then students headed to a copper museum to lean about copper production and try their hand at copper art. Chisholm is certainly home to some budding artists!
That afternoon students enjoyed a cable car trip up Montmorency Falls and took in the spectacular view from the top. Then it was back to Old Town for a picture scavenger hunt of all the significant historical sights. Students ended their night with an evening of cosmic bowling and fun with their friends.
Thank you to all the students who made the trip memorable, our amazing tour guide and the staff chaperons, Mrs. Moyssakos, Mr. Sharland, Mrs. Turriff and Ms. Andrew.
Alison Andrew
Chisholm Academy Teacher