CHILDREN at a York primary created their own poppy garden as part of commemoration events to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Pupils at Hempland Primary also attended a special assembly involving Rebekah Dixon, Service Families’ Liaison Officer for York Schools, Cliff Danum, from the Royal British Legion, and Lee Hunt, a parent currently serving in the military who attended in his service uniform.

The children learnt about how the poppy became a symbol of remembrance and why we commemorate Armistice Day.

Headteacher, Zoe Lightfoot said: “It has been wonderful to see the thought and consideration the children have given to the commemoration activities we have had in school. Having one of our parents, who is in the military, join us for our assembly also helps to give a real context for the children that remembrance is about honouring those both past and present who have sacrificed themselves for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Year 6 pupils read out haiku poems they had written about their thoughts on remembrance and at the end of the assembly Year 5 gave a rendition of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ which they will also be performing as part of the 100 Years, 1000 Voices event at the University of York.

Prior to the assembly, each child created their own poppy which included a word or picture in the centre to represent what armistice means to them. The poppies were then used to create a display in the entrance to the school.

The school also held an own clothes day with the children asked to bring a donation of £1 and to attend school dressed in red and black to commemorate the poppy. All donations will go to the Royal British Legion and SSAFA Armed Forces Charity which provides lifelong support to service personnel and their families.