John Kyrle High School marks anniversary of first UK lockdown

Students, staff, governors and representatives from local churches gathered at John Kyrle High School today, Tuesday 23rd March, to mark the anniversary of the first UK lockdown.

A magnolia tree was planted in the school grounds as part of the national day of reflection and commemoration.

The impetus for this National Day of Reflection came from the Marie Curie charity – a time for us to pause and reflect on our collective loss, support those who have lost loved ones, and offer each other the hope and the determination to work for a brighter future. The school also want to express their deep appreciation for those who have given so much to cherish, support and care for those in need.

The ceremony was opened with words of welcome by Nick Wardale, head of the religious studies department. This was followed by a reading from local baptist youth worker, Pete Martin, entitled ‘A time for everything’. Head girl, Elin Havard, and head boy, Dominic Croad, then shared reflections of the past year from the perspective of themselves and fellow students.

Nigel Griffiths, headteacher, went on to speak of how proud he was of the way the whole school and wider communities have dealt with the past 12 months. This was followed by a reading of the Philip Larkin poem, ‘The Trees’ by Trixie Clarke, assistant headteacher. Revd Sean Semple then blessed the tree which was planted before the observation of two minutes’ silence by the whole school population.