Grades 4 and 5 students from Vancouver’s École St-Sacrement (Blessed Sacrament Elementary) added the March for Life to their annual trip to Victoria this year, receiving recognition in the Legislative Assembly and the opportunity to speak with Premier David Eby.

During their two-day trip, the students also visited other prominent buildings, including St. Andrew’s Cathedral. 

While at the legislature, the students were greeted by Eby, who took time to speak with them about their Young Citizens of the World program, a global education movement that began at their school.

MLA Brenda Bailey

Vancouver-False Creek MLA Brenda Bailey, who represents the school’s riding, rose during official house proceedings to acknowledge the students. 

“Today I rise with great pride to introduce an extraordinary group of students from my riding that are visiting us from École St-Sacrement,” she told the assembly, adding the 75-year-old school is a pillar of the Vancouver franco-phone community. 

Bailey said she was honoured to have been interviewed by Young Citizens of the World last year, along with B.C. Transport Minister Mike Farnworth. “We were profoundly impressed by their curiosity, their insight and their leadership,” she said. 

“They represent the very best of British Columbia, and I’m so proud of them,” she said. 

Bailey’s remarks appear in the May 27 Hansard, the official record of the Legislative Assembly.

Blessed Sacrament principal Reine Mykyte leads a tour of St. Andrew’s Cathedral for her students. (Nicholas Elbers photo)

The students also visited historic St. Andrew’s Cathedral, where they had a moment of prayer and reflection and a tour led by principal Reine Mykyte. Afterward, they continued to Centennial Square to join hundreds in the March for Life. 

Grade 5 teacher Marc-André Tremblay said the peaceful gathering allowed students to stand for their values, practise empathy, and engage with others from across the province.

“This week wasn’t just a field trip,” he said. “It was a chance for our students to live out their faith, see democracy in action, and raise their voices for what they believe in.”