POTTER Street Academy was alive with music, memory, and heartfelt pride as pupils, staff, parents, and carers came together to commemorate VE Day in a moving whole-school celebration.

The day began with a festive street party at lunchtime, transforming the school into a scene reminiscent of the joyous celebrations that swept the nation at the end of the Second World War in 1945. Tables were lined with Union Jack bunting, and laughter and chatter filled the playground as children and families shared food and stories.

In the afternoon, the school field became a stage for a beautiful musical tribute to the wartime generation. The event opened with the whole school singing the classic “We’ll Meet Again”, a poignant reminder of the hope and unity that defined the era.

The musical journey continued with:

• Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 singing “You Are My Sunshine”

• Years 3 and 4 performing “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”

• Years 5 and 6 delivering a heartfelt rendition of “The White Cliffs of Dover”

The celebration concluded with the entire school and their guests standing together to sing “God Save the King”, in a stirring moment of shared remembrance and national pride.

A special highlight of the day for Head of School, Mr Neil Gladwin, was meeting Ivy O’Connor, the 100-year-old great-grandmother of pupil Finley.

“Meeting Ms O’Connor and hearing her wartime stories was truly inspiring. Her memories of air raid shelters and the joy of peace remind us how much that generation gave up so we could enjoy the lives we have today.”

As the sun shone down and voices rang out in harmony, the day served not only as a tribute to the past, but also as a meaningful learning experience for the next generation.

Potter Street Academy is proud to honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who lived through the war—and to do so as one united school community.