Happy Bank Holiday Friday.

Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, however due to the coronavirus outbreak we will be commemorating the anniversary in our own homes or at a safe distance with our neighbours.

Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8th May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany’s surrender after 6 years of war. At 3pm, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end. Spontaneous celebrations broke out across the country and the Queen ventured out with a group of friends to experience the excitement in London.

I can in no way attempt to compare scale of suffering or sacrifice between the World Wars and our current situation as they were very different times. However, similarities can be made.

A nation subject to restrictions on movement, concerns over supply of essential goods and even the rationing of them is a common factor then and now. Daily governmental briefings, global updates, and speeches of victory, collective support, and expressions of admiration for those that work to protect us are all abundant now as they were throughout the wartime years.

There is an essential sense of ‘goodness’ that we will commemorate today for VE Day and how that same goodness is still found in abundance today. The overwhelming majority of the population, in war torn Britain, would “keep calm and carry on” with stoic fortitude and kindness to others, for example by “digging for victory”, taking in an evacuee, or housing a family ‘bombed out’ of their home during a raid. They did this not through compulsion or fear of consequence, but because it was the right thing to do.

Similarly, the overwhelming majority of people now, as then, are driven by kindness, compassion, and a sense of collective duty to support each other as best they can.

During the war, the population were told to “Keep Calm and Carry On”, I used this phrase in the final staff meeting before lockdown began. At a time when the news and social media are sharing scary stories, it is important to keep calm, keep perspective and to support those in need.

I know many of us are worried and concerned about what is going to happen next. Anxious about how long this will go on for? When will schools reopen? I wish I could give you the answers, but at the moment nobody knows. Take one day at a time, and appreciate the here and now.

The Prime Minister, Mr Johnson will be delivering a speech on Sunday, where more information about schools reopening will be shared. This will only be the first step to ensuring that the school is safe to open for both pupils and staff.

I will be in lots of meetings to ensure that there are safe procedures and precautions in place. If/when we are allowed to open I will keep you up to date. Please do not ring/contact school asking for more details, because at this point in time, I know as much as you!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend. Enjoy whatever celebrations you are taking part in and more importantly, stay safe.

Miss Goodson

VE Day 75