Peace Day at Thomas Buxton Primary School
On Thursday 21st September, Thomas Buxton hosted an International Peace Day celebration on behalf of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme.
During the week of the 18th September, the children at Thomas Buxton learnt about International Peace Day and the work of the UN. The children thought about how they could create peace in their lives through various projects and actions in school and in their communities at home. A real buzz and sense of anticipation was created throughout the week, culminating in an extremely exciting day “off timetable” on Thursday 21st September.
On International Peace Day, the children took part in peace related activities. Children in EYFS learnt sharing songs and made peace hats. Children in Year 1 and 2 practiced meditation and focused on strategies that the children could use to calm themselves down when they find themselves in challenging situations. They then created peace posters to support children in school and at home. Children in Key Stage Two learnt how to be peace ambassadors and practiced solving conflict on the playground. They acted out scenarios and then made mini-films to support children when dealing with problems independently. The children also learnt how to say ‘peace’ in many different languages to ensure that the message of International Peace Day is spread globally.
Over the course of Peace Day, Thomas Buxton pupils learnt about peace globally and the work of Dr Jane Goodall and the United Nations in promoting peace in the modern world. The children made peace doves with their own pledges of peace and learnt the Peace Day song ‘Circle the World’.
“I loved making the peace dove and writing peace poems. It was really nice to spend the whole day thinking about peace and love.” Khadija, Year 3.
“I love the sharing song, its super cool and we get to say each other’s names.” Amira and Ayaan, Reception.
“I felt really peaceful and calm on Peace Day.” “It’s important to learn about peace so we don’t start fighting and to make sure we’re all having a nice day.” Eli and Attiyah, Year 2.
“Celebrating International Peace Day is really important as we need to think about peace in the whole world, rather than just in our school. It is important to learn about the United Nations and the work they do to promote peace.” Ayman, Year 5.
The day ended in a whole school assembly and the presentation of our giant school peace dove. We were honoured to be visited by Jasmina and Tara from Roots & Shoots, who spoke to us about why Peace Day is so important. The whole school then followed the peace dove on a peace march, with whistles and drums, around the local area.
Tara Golshan said: "It was so inspirational to be part of Thomas Buxton’s Peace Day celebrations. The children had undertaken such a wide variety of activities around the topic. We were privileged to visit all the different classes and their projects culminating in an exciting parade. A huge thank you to our amazing teachers and students in reminding us of the joys of working with young people on making our Planet a better place”.