May 2025

80th Anniversary of VE Day Celebrations 2025

8th May 2025

Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Nursery and Primary School was filled with joy, music, and meaningful reflection this week as pupils celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a day of commemorative learning and fun-filled activities.  Staff and children wore red, white and blue all day.

Moons class made flags with the Union Jack on and watched slides about World War 2.  They talked about food rationing and how the parents and children felt when they had to leave each other.  They made some hats.  

Mars class had a fantastic time commemorating this historic occasion. The children explored the significance of VE Day and reflected on why it is important to continue marking its anniversary. They also learned about the meaning behind wearing red, white, and blue — the colours of the Union Jack, representing national pride and unity. A real highlight for Mars Class was joining the rest of the school for a joyful picnic on the field, where they loved sitting on blankets and sharing lunch with friends under the warm spring sunshine.

Saturn class also embraced the celebrations with enthusiasm. They enjoyed a special history lesson, who explained how Great Britain and the Allies achieved victory in World War II. The children were captivated by the lesson and later enjoyed their lunchtime outdoors, listening to traditional VE Day music while relaxing with their friends.

A proud moment for Neptune class came when they had the opportunity to sing in Teignmouth Triangle to local residents as part of the town’s commemorative events. The children performed classic wartime songs including “Run, Rabbit, Run, Run” and “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”. The children sang beautifully, earning praise from staff and the community alike – “Well done, Class 5!”

In the afternoon, Supernova class held a thoughtful debate about whether VE Day should still be commemorated. The class overwhelmingly agreed it should – both to honour the past and, as some noted with a smile, because it makes for an enjoyable break from normal lessons!

Some of the children noted; 

'We are very lucky'

'We wouldn't have been able to go swimming in a pool in the war.  We wouldn't have been able to eat nice food or go to the park'.

"I enjoyed VE Day lunch"