As November arrives and poppies begin to appear on coats and lapels, we are reminded of the importance of Remembrance Day, a time to pause, reflect, and honour the young men and women whose lives were forever changed by war.

In our English lessons, students have taken time to consider what remembrance truly means. As part of this reflection, two of our students, Eunice and Patrick, have written poems that explore the experiences of those who went to war, the young men who fought bravely, the lives that were sacrificed, and the dreams that were left unfinished.

Through their writing, the students give voice to both the human cost of conflict and the quiet resilience that endured amidst hardship. Their poems capture the contrast between the hope and innocence of youth and the harsh conditions of the battlefield, from mud and fear to the longing for home. They remind us that behind every uniform was an individual with a story, a family, and a future they were willing to risk for something greater than themselves.

Remembrance Day is not about glorifying war, but about honouring courage and sacrifice, and recognising the value of peace. By reflecting on the past, we give meaning to the present, understanding that the freedoms we enjoy were hard won, and that empathy and remembrance are powerful ways to keep those lessons alive.

As we observe the silence at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, may we hold in our thoughts those who served and suffered, and carry forward their legacy of hope, compassion, and peace.