VE Day, marked on May 8th, offers us an important opportunity not only to reflect on the end of World War II in Europe, but also to consider the lasting impact such events have on our understanding of community, resilience, and wellbeing. At Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, this reflection is deeply personal. We remember with great respect those from Durham School who served and sacrificed during the war. Their names, stories, and contributions are woven into the fabric of our school's history and are honoured as part of our collective memory. 

The chapel at Durham School stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance. It is a space where the loss experienced by generations past is not only acknowledged but also transformed into a message of hope and resilience. For our school community, the chapel is more than a place of worship, it is a quiet yet constant reminder that even in times of great difficulty, strength and recovery are possible. It reminds us that wellbeing is rooted in acknowledging pain, while also nurturing the human capacity to rebuild. 

In looking back at VE Day, we see how communities across the country came together in joy and gratitude after years of struggle. People celebrated peace, honoured those who were lost, and found renewed appreciation for connection and shared experience. These values remain essential today. In our fast-paced world, we can learn much from the way past generations drew strength from unity, and how their sense of purpose and mutual support fostered emotional resilience.

As we guide our children through today's challenges (both personal and global), we are reminded that fostering wellbeing is about more than just avoiding difficulty. It is about helping young people find strength in community, appreciate small moments of progress, and develop the resilience to face adversity with courage and hope. The legacy of those who played their part in the war, especially from within our own school community, continues to teach us the importance of connection, remembrance, and the enduring power of hope.