I am certain that at some point in the last week, we have all taken a moment to reflect upon the ending of the Second World War in Europe. On 8th May 1945, after nearly six years of conflict, peace was declared in Europe and this date is remembered annually as Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day for short. 2025 is, of course, the 80th anniversary of a defining moment in our nation’s history and, if you have seen any of the news coverage, it is likely to be one of the last times that those who were directly involved gather together and are thanked so publicly for all they and their comrades did to secure our safety and future.
VE Day however, is more than just a historical milestone. It is a moment to reflect on the values that shaped a generation, and which continue to guide us today. It is impossible to look back on that time without being struck by the extraordinary courage and determination of everyday people. Young men and women stepped up with ambition not only for themselves, but for the future of their communities and country. Their dreams were not of personal glory, but of rebuilding a world in which families could thrive and peace could endure.
Safety was deeply longed for during those war years. People lived under the threat of bombing raids, loss, and separation. The peace that followed was cherished because it meant children could walk to school without fear, families could eat together without blackout curtains drawn tight, and communities could begin to heal. Throughout the war, people demonstrated incredible personal growth. Teenagers learned new skills overnight. Evacuees adapted to unfamiliar homes. Women took on roles they’d never imagined – engineers, drivers, codebreakers, medics. And all of them, in one way or another, learned resilience.
In the hardest times, integrity shone through. People made brave choices: hiding neighbours, speaking out against injustice, or simply staying kind when life was anything but. VE Day reminds us that doing the right thing often means doing the hard thing — but that integrity is the foundation of trust, respect, and community. Even amid war, emotional wellbeing mattered. People found solace in song, laughter, faith, and friendship. They learned to carry one another and understood they were stronger together than alone.
VE Day is therefore a reminder not only of what was won, but of what we must continue to protect: peace, kindness, community, and ambition. I encourage all of us to continue to honour the past by the way we live now and by upholding the values of our school community.
Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.
Paul Robinson
