Remembrance Day

by Patrick Tansley Year 13

Remembrance Day first started as a way of remembering those who died during the four bloody years between 1914 and 1918 that came to be known as the years of The Great War, or World War One, but now commemorates those who died on the battlefields from all wars.

At IBSB, we celebrated Remembrance Day this year on Friday, November 11th. During our school day, we learned about the history of the poppy, the significance of wearing this flower and wrote acrostic poems on the theme of Remembrance.

All the students in IBSB observed one minutes silence at 11.11am to the sound of the ‘Last Post’ as a mark of respect to the soldiers who fought and died in wars. Each student also had the chance to write messages of support and encouragement, draw poppies and their wishes for world peace.

During our Friday assembly, we had a visit from Commander Matt Nelson, RN who is the British Defence Attache. He spoke to our students about Remembrance Day and also his life in the armed forces. The students were delighted to hear that when they purchase a poppy for Remembrance Day, all the money raised goes into the Royal British Legion Benevolent Fund to aid and support those serving and former British service personnel.

Some of our primary school students also attended the Remembrance Day Service out at the Tancabesti Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery, on Sunday, November 13, attended also by our Head Girl, Maria Sticlea, and Head Boy, Andrei Vernon, who laid a reef on behalf of the IBSB Community, and by our Head of School, Mr Peet, who laid a reef on behalf of the people of New Zealand.