To mark Armistice Day on Friday 11 November, the entire school stood together solemnly on the Quad, taking a poignant moment to pause, reflect and remember during the Act of Remembrance.
The service was supported by the CCF Guard of Honour and led by the School Chaplain. A floral wreath was laid upon the war memorial in the centre of the Quad, by the Acting Head, Rebecca Evans, alongside poppy adorned wreaths placed by the School Captains Daisy and Jacob, and Mark Cooper on behalf of the Old Johnian community. The Last Post was performed brilliantly by Upper Fifth pupil, Jemima and the Schola Cantorum sang ‘Crossing the Bar’.
The remarkably moving Act of Remembrance saw silence fall across all four sides of the Quad. Every year, the Act of Remembrance provides us all with a resounding awareness of how lucky we are to be safe, well, and able to take this moment together as a community to reflect. Many years ago, pupils who walked the paths that we now do, sacrificed their lives for the freedom we have today. Pupils and staff are encouraged to visit Chapel if they wish to take a moment for private remembrance and reflection, and to view the names of pupils who gave their lives for our freedoms, inscribed upon honour boards.
On Sunday, the School will provide a further opportunity for remembrance and reflection, as our community commemorate those lost and affected whilst serving our country at a Remembrance Service in the Chapel. The CCF Regimental Dinner will take place this evening , with a number of different uniforms in attendance.
St John’s School, Leatherhead and the Great War 1914-1919, written by our archivist, Sally Todd, and former staff member Neil Pudney, is an absorbing account of the School during the First World War. Beautifully designed and illustrated, it details the lives of pupils, staff, alumni, and the School itself during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please email: development@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk. To receive your order in time for Christmas, please place an order by Friday 9 December 2022.
Furthermore, the St John’s War Memorial website commemorates those who served in the First World War. Please visit the website to find out more, including the roll of honour and some individual biographies: http://stjohnsleatherheadatwar.co.uk/
