What a cracking day we had at the Service Children's Armed Forces Day on Wednesday 11th June! With spirits high and the sun shining brightly, 30 of our wonderful service children joined over 700 other young people and staff from local schools for a truly memorable event at Ypres Lines, Catterick Garrison. It was a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of Armed Forces personnel and the unique experiences of their children.

A Day of Growth and Connection

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement from the moment we arrived. Various stalls offered engaging insights into military life, from the Royal Military Police (RMP) showcasing their roles to the Artillery demonstrating their impressive capabilities. A definite highlight for everyone was the delicious ice cream generously provided by 'Operation Ice Cream' – a perfect treat under the warm sun. The Army really pulled out all the stops with the food, and a special shout-out must go to the Gurkha curry, which was a massive hit with both staff and pupils alike!

The Risedale pupils were an absolute credit to the school throughout the day, truly demonstrating the social skills, empathy and kindness we strive to foster. They displayed impeccable politeness and respect, asking thoughtful questions at every stall, showcasing their curiosity and desire to accumulate knowledge and cultural capital. It was heartwarming to see them quickly make new friends from different schools, building healthy RELATIONSHIPS, and even taking some of our future Year 7s under their wing. This mentorship perfectly illustrates their journey towards becoming RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL, and RESILIENT citizens, ready to embrace change and learn from new experiences.

A Strong Sense of Belonging and Accomplishment

The infectious joy of the day saw everyone dancing away without a care in the world, a testament to the high spirits and fantastic organisation. This event was a brilliant way to acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering dedication of the Armed Forces in keeping us safe, and for our pupils, it undoubtedly cultivated a strong sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Reflecting on the day, Risedale’s Service Children's Advocate, Mrs Johnson, said, "Honestly, it was just brilliant! A really lovely day, full of sunshine and, of course, our amazing kids. The children were brilliant; their energy was infectious, and it was just what we all needed – a real breath of fresh air and a wonderful reminder of the strong service community we've got here."

A huge thank you to Angela Campbell (Service Children’s Champion) and the Catterick Garrison Headquarters for organising such a fantastic and impactful event. It was truly a day that fostered connection, understanding, and immense gratitude. Fingers crossed for the same time next year!

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS