Primary children join veterans for Remembrance Day

It was a cross-generational occasion when children from a school in Byker joined war veterans for a special Remembrance Day service.

The entire Year 3 class from St Lawrence’s Catholic Primary attended the commemorative event, which was organised by Veterans Launchpad, and took place at St Michael’s at the Lighthouse Project.

“Thirty pupils took part, plus a class from Byker Primary,” said Charlotte Robson, Headteacher at St Lawrence’s, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“There were around 15 people from Launchpad there, and around ten of them were veterans.”

The children were accompanied at the service by Year 3 Teacher Olivia Shepherd and Higher Level Teaching Assistant Christine Hamilton, while other Remembrance Day activities took place within school.

“St Lawrence’s took part in a Remembrance Day assembly in the morning,” continued Mrs Robson. 

“All pupils were given a paper poppy which was purchased by the school. All pupils also had the opportunity to buy items from the Poppy Appeal, including pencil, bag chains, and snap bands.”

There was also commemorative wreath-making with a continental twist.

“In their French lesson, Year 6 learned how France celebrates Remembrance Day, and that they use a mix of poppies and cornflowers,” added Mrs Robson. “Our wreath reflects the two colours.”

Other BBCET schools commemorating Remembrance Day included St Robert’s Catholic First School, St Oswald’s Catholic Primary, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, and St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School.