As the nation took time to remember and reflect upon the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, the children of Willow Class spent time with Reverend Haslam and Nick from St. Mary's Church, Woodchester to consider the coroncoaster ride we have all been on and how it has affected us in the last twelve months.  

Nick had kindly dug out a new bedding area in the grounds of the church in preparation for a service of remembrance and reflection.  The local and church community had the opportunity to donate a lavender plant to be planted in the new bed in memory of a lost loved one or in recognition of difficult times.  Year 6 had the honour of planting these special plants into this new bed.  

Why lavender?  People have cultivated lavender for many many years (even as far back as Roman times) as it is believed that the chemicals isolated from lavender have beneficial effects on human health.  The essential oils of lavender are often used in aromatherapy because they produce relaxing and calming effects in most people.  

As well as carefully planting out and watering in eat of the young lavender plants, the children had an opportunity to reflect on the ups and downs of the pandemic, the high points, the low points, different challenges and how they have overcome them.  We looked for positives and some children identified new skills they had learned or new opportunities they had relished such as building friendships in a new way or spending more time with mum and dad, brother and sister.  There were lots of interesting funny memories to share as well!  Many of us felt that living with Covid had taught us to be grateful for what we have and not to take the little things in life for granted.  

Some of the children decided they would like to join the virtual service led by Reverend Haslam.  This was poignant and reflective but also forward looking.  We would like to thank Reverend Haslam and everyone from St. Mary's for enabling the children of Willow Class to share in this special time and opportunity to develop our spirituality and to heal some of the hurt of the last twelve months.  We look forward to watching each one of those little lavender plants grow into a beautiful bed colour and healing. 

Here is a short film of our afternoon of planting.  We pray that the soothing properties of lavender will refresh and renew us all.