Since 2005, the Juno Beach Centre has provided over 350 Canadian educators an exciting professional development opportunity to discover the Canadian First and Second World War historic sites in France. During this 10-day tour, participants visit Vimy Ridge, Beaumont-Hamel, Dieppe, the Juno Beach Centre, the D-Day landing beaches and various other sites in Normandy. Some highlights of the tour include meeting locals who lived through D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, enjoying the kind hospitality in Normandy, and sharing teaching ideas with colleagues from across Canada.

For the program brochure, a sample itinerary and more information click here.

The summer 2020 dates are not yet set but if past years are an indicator it is at the end of July and early days in August. Interested participants must be available for approximately 10-12 days. Sponsorship covers airfare, accommodation, meals, entry fees and ground transfers. Out-of-pocket expenses (vino!, gifts etc.) are the responsibility of the participant.

Important Note:  Although the institute has run for 14 out of the last 15 years there is a small chance the institute may run in 2021 and not in 2020 which is dependent on funding. At this juncture a 2020 institute is intended. This factor is beyond the control of CISVA or RCCAV at this time.

Some of the sites visited include commonwealth cemeteries. Catholic Cemeteries is a ministry providing learning support to CISVA educators with lesson plans, tours of the Gardens of Gethsemani and support for key events such as the month of Holy Souls—in short we are a partner in education on matters related to Christian end-of-life and helping to form young adults on the value of the Funeral Liturgy and Sacred Space at our Catholic Cemeteries.

We’d also look for the selected teacher to share some stories of their experiences with the BC Catholic and other media to help raise its profile in the teaching community.