Remembrance Sunday falls on 8th November this year, followed by Armistice Day on Wednesday 11th November. At St Hilda’s, the girls will be marking it on Friday 6th November in two ways: by coming together as a whole school for a special Remembrance assembly, and by selling poppies on Harpenden High Street.
Selling poppies in Harpenden
On Friday 6th November, our Form VI girls will be out selling poppies at various points around Harpenden High Street in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. It is a small act with real meaning. The money raised supports serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, and the girls get to play an active part in a tradition that has run for more than a century.
It is good for them in other ways too. Approaching an adult, explaining what you are collecting for, handling change and saying thank you all take confidence, and the friendly response the girls get from people in Harpenden is a reminder that they are part of a wider community. If you see them in town, do stop and say hello.
Our Remembrance assembly
Earlier the same day, the whole school will gather for our Remembrance assembly. It is a time to pause, to reflect on those who have served and those who lost their lives in conflict, and to observe a moment of silence together. Even our youngest pupils understand the importance of being still and quiet together. Parents are very welcome to join us for the assembly.
Why the poppy?
During the First World War, much of the fighting took place in the fields of Flanders in Belgium and northern France. When the ground was churned up by battle, red poppies grew in their thousands. The image was captured by the Canadian doctor John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields, written in 1915, and the poppy has been worn as a symbol of remembrance ever since.
A school with a long memory
St Hilda’s has been part of Harpenden for more than 135 years, which means it was here, educating girls, through both World Wars. Remembrance is a chance to connect the girls with that history, and with the stories of families in our own town and around the world, including the many people from across the Commonwealth who served.
Talking to children about Remembrance
It can be hard to know how much to say to young children about war. A few ideas that parents often find helpful:
- Keep it simple for younger children: the poppy helps us remember people who were very brave and who helped to keep others safe
- Share family stories, photographs or medals if you have them, as personal connections make history real
- Visit a local war memorial together and read some of the names
- Answer questions honestly but gently, and let your child lead how far the conversation goes
- Read a picture book about Remembrance together, of which there are many good ones for primary-age children
Moments like these sit alongside our values of respect, kindness and courage, and help the girls understand that being part of a community means remembering those who came before us. To find out more about life at St Hilda’s, do come and visit us.
