Preparing for Remembrance
At the Prep and Senior School, like many schools in the country, we have spent time this week preparing the children and the School for Remembrance. Choosing to dedicate time across this week and next week serves to deepen our contemplations and understanding of the messages within this significant national day. Preparing for Remembrance Day helps our busy young people by encouraging reflection, gratitude, and unity within our communities. As we learn about the sacrifices made by those who served in wars and conflicts, we develop a deeper appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy in Great Britain. Taking time to prepare, whether by creating poppy displays, attending ceremonies, or learning veterans’ stories, reminds us of the importance of compassion, respect, and understanding in our daily lives. This preparation not only honours the past but also inspires us to work toward a more peaceful and caring future. Next week, we hold our Remembrance Service in the chapel and a gathering together of the Prep children in the Prep Hall, but this week we have also been active.
Each day this week, our Year 6 Prefects have been visiting classes, collecting donations for poppies. All money raised goes to the British Legion. They have also spent their lunch times adorning our fence with poppies made by Mrs Hall, Head of DT at the Senior School, and Mrs Roberts, Head of Art at the Senior School. This fence lines part of the Brentwood Remembrance Parade on Sunday and is the backdrop to the service at the memorial. The children were proud to be part of something bigger and to support one of the most poignant community gatherings we experience in Brentwood.
Being part of the Brentwood community is something we’re proud of, and this morning, Year 2 visited the war memorial as part of their annual celebration of remembrance. Pupils each had a wooden cross with a poppy and a handwritten note from each child. They took turns in laying their crosses on the war memorial before reciting ‘In Flanders Fields’, a poem by John McCrae.
This was all in preparation for the Remembrance Service, where the Mayor of Brentwood welcomed many local schools. Our Year 2 School Councillor members represented the Prep in this annual gathering to remember those who gave for our freedom. We gathered and listened to the Last Post, prayers from Father Mark North and when the Standard Bearer greeted us, we recognised a familiar face – our own Mr Gott, retired Chef de Partie at the Prep, making the service even more special.
This week, Leo received a Head of Prep Award in recognition of his remarkable progress, resilience, and growing confidence in swimming. Leo found it challenging to enter the pool, but through perseverance and a positive attitude, he has made outstanding progress, moving from the learner pool to now swimming a full length, aided in the 25m pool.
This achievement reflects not only his developing skill but also his determination and independence. Leo has shown great courage in overcoming his initial fears, approaching each session with increasing self-belief and enthusiasm. His journey is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through persistence and confidence, and he should be immensely proud of his progress. Well done, Leo!
Have a lovely weekend.
Alice Goodfellow
