CHILDREN, teachers and staff at Glusburn Community Primary School joined in the national commemoration marking a year since the start of the first coronavirus lockdown.

The school - which has 420 children on its roll - took the opportunity to remember and reflect on the past year since Covid caused everyone to stay home, be socially distanced and continually wash hands, said headteacher, Richard Hunt.

On March 23 last year, the school closed and everyone was told to go home and wait for the virus to pass.

Prince Charles led the national commemoration organised by Marie Curie a year to the day, which included a minute’s silence at midday to remember and support all those who had lost someone to Covid-19, and to hope for a brighter future.

Each of the children in Glusburn school was given a tea light to take home to ‘light up the night’ at 8pm along with the rest of the country.

Pupils and staff were invited to wear a small rainbow symbol, such as face paint, stripey socks, headband or bracelet to show their appreciation of the NHS.

And, in the afternoon, time was taken out from usual lessons to reflect, talk and join in with some activities aimed at encouraging reflection, said Mr Hunt.

“We have also planted two cherry blossom tree in our Millennium garden area. In support of Marie Curie and we have asked children to tie yellow ribbons around trees as symbols of hope,” he said.

“ Children also created cards for their lockdown hero. Parent, carer, friend, sibling, or teacher to tell them how much they appreciate them, made origami daffodils, and had circle time discussions on change, loss, and grief, and loving people from a distance.”

Mr Hunt said it had been a difficult year, but staff had worked ‘above and beyond’ to make sure children were well provided for.

“The staff have been absolutely amazing and have gone above and beyond to ensure that children were well cared for and provided with remote learning.

“During lockdown the staff offered several daily live online teaching sessions and have always been there to support families, this included a remote ‘well-being check-in’ with every pupil replacing our Spring Parents’ Evening. “

He added a staff well being questionnaire in March showed that all ‘enjoyed working at the school and were proud to tell others’.

“We have led our way through the pandemic together,” said Mr Hunt.