Garlinge Primary School and Nursery Honours Remembrance Day - 11 Nov 2026

The children and staff at Garlinge Primary School and Nursery continued their long-standing tradition of commemorating Remembrance Day on Wednesday 11th November, coming together as a school community to honour and remember the courage, service and sacrifice of those who have served, and continue to serve, in the Armed Forces.

Leading up to Remembrance Day, the children and staff demonstrated their generosity and support by purchasing poppies and a range of Remembrance merchandise. All proceeds were donated to the Royal British Legion, helping to support serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families. This annual fundraising initiative also provided a valuable opportunity for children to develop their understanding of the importance of remembrance, reflection and gratitude.

On Remembrance Day, the whole school came together for a special assembly to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives. The school was pleased to welcome several guests to the occasion, including Mrs Graham, Chair of Governors, Mr Herbert, and Reverend Anand of St James’ Church.

During the assembly, Head Boy, George, and Head Girl, Erin, delivered thoughtful and meaningful readings of two well-known poems, In Flanders Fields and For the Fallen. Their readings provided a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women, and the importance of ensuring that their bravery is never forgotten.

This was followed by a moving performance of The Last Post by Mr Shepherd, creating a particularly thought-provoking moment of reflection for everyone present. At 11 o’clock, the entire school community observed an impeccably respected two-minute silence, during which pupils and staff paused to remember those who lost their lives in conflict and those who continue to be affected by war today.

Later in the day, our Head Boy and Head Girl, accompanied by their Deputies, joined Heads of School, Mrs Northrop and Mr Cope to visit the war memorials in Westgate and at St James’ Church in Garlinge.

At both locations, wreaths were laid on behalf of our school community as a mark of respect and gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, Mr Cope, Head of School, commented:

“We always spend time remembering the sacrifices of those who have gone to war, and this closely aligns with our school value of Respect. Our pupils understand the importance of recognising these sacrifices, and we are incredibly proud to continue our annual tradition of laying wreaths at our local war memorials. It is essential that future generations appreciate the courage and selflessness of those who have served our country.”

Remembrance Day remains an important and deeply valued occasion in the school calendar at Garlinge Primary School and Nursery. Through assemblies, classroom discussions, historical learning and participation in community commemorations, children are encouraged to reflect upon the significance of remembrance and the importance of peace, respect and compassion.

Mrs Greenfield, the school's History Lead, added:

“It makes us extremely proud to come together as a school community to reflect upon and honour those who have fought for our country and sacrificed their lives. Remembrance Day provides our children with an invaluable opportunity to understand the significance of these sacrifices and why it is so important that we continue to remember them. Our children and staff feel privileged to play a part in this long-standing tradition, while also raising funds to support serving personnel, veterans and their families across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. We hope that, through these experiences, our children will carry forward the values of remembrance, gratitude and respect for generations to come.”

We will remember them.