To mark Armistice Day on Thursday 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 Head, Rowena Cole, alongside poppy adorned wreaths placed by the School Captains Amelia and Daniyal, and Patrick Gardner on behalf of the Old Johnian community. The Last Post was performed brilliantly by Upper Sixth pupil, Will Smith.
The Act of Remembrance was incredibly moving, as silence fell across 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 always welcome to visit Chapel, 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.
Across the weekend, the School will provide a further opportunity for remembrance and reflection, as families and Old Johnians are welcomed to commemorate those lost and affected during their service for our country at a Remembrance Service in the Chapel. The CCF Regimental Dinner will take place on Friday 12 November, 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 order in time for Christmas, please order by Monday 13 December 2021.
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/
