St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School

St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School

Remembrance Day

Our School Council led us in a thoughtful whole school assembly on Friday 9th November.  We were honoured to be joined by the Chair of our Multi-Academy Trust Mr. David Williams MBE, who is also a Veteran of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

Our school council explained why Remembrance Day is important and that this year marks 100 years since the end of World War One.  Each of our School Council read a poem, shared a fact or said a prayer for our Armed Forces and those affected by war.

We also watched an animation of a WWI battlefield through animals' eyes to reflect on the emotions generated by war.

Mr Williams talked to the school about his Grandfather's experience as a soldier during WWI and showed us his Grandfather's medals.  He spoke about his time as a Guardsman and, in particular, being stationed in Malaya and Germany.  We were shown his medals including an MBE presented by Prince William.  We also had medals and uniform on display throughout assembly, loaned to us by Mrs Reeves' brother.

Mr Williams talked to us about the importance of remembering not only those in WWI but all affected by war and conflict.

The School Council, Headteachers and Mr Williams formed a procession out to our WWI trench in the school field.  The School Council pinned poppies on to crosses that had been put up especially for our Remembrance Day assembly.  The School Council read aloud prayers written by fellow pupils as we remembered those have made sacrifices through war for us.

The School Councillors from Upper Key Stage 2 got to go in to the trench and we talked about life on the front line.  We discussed what soldiers ate, conditions of living in a trench and the Christmas Day truce in 1914, when soldiers from both sides exchanged gifts and played football on No Man's Land.

A special thank you to Mr Williams, Mrs Reeves and her brother for helping us honour those who have been affected by war.

Lest we forget.