Ahead of this Sunday's Remembrance Day, Westbury Leigh Church of England Primary School has been remembering the lives of close relatives who are no longer with them.
The idea for this initiative came from Kenton, a young pupil at the school who asked if they could have a "Remembering Day" to remember close relatives who have passed away. Inspired by Kenton's commemorative idea, the staff set out to ensure it could happen.
Kenton and several other children who had suffered loss joined together to form a group called the 'Remembering Team'.
The team members talked with one another for a couple of weeks in preparation for the service, sharing their thoughts and feelings about loss and what helped them cope. The children wrote personal prayers, painted pictures to express their feelings and composed a letter to the school community asking everyone to wear some green on the day and make a donation to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. In doing so, they raised £134.
On the day of the service, the pupils led a service as they read prayers and displayed their artwork around the hall.
During the conclusion of the service, students who had lost someone tied a green ribbon onto a garden trellis. Their families joined them to reflect on their loss together.
Mrs Debbie Grimsey, the school Headteacher said: “We are so proud of the courage and faith these children have shown in publicly remembering someone special in their lives. They have spoken openly and honestly about their grief and are keen to remember and honour those who are no longer with us. Through the love that they have and share, they shine a bright light as they move forward in their lives.”
Overall, the day proved to be an opportunity for families to unite and share their love for someone special.
One of the parents who attended the service and has suffered grief personally has since decided to start up a support network for anyone who may be in a similar situation. If this is something that might be of interest to you, send the Westbury Leigh Admin Team an email at admin@westburyleigh.wilts.sch.uk to find out more information.