Our Children's Memorial Service for Mrs Grimsey, took place at St John's Church on Friday afternoon. The service was full of memories of Mrs Grimsey and was a celebration of all she brought to St John's School.

The service started with music played by children from KS2. Emma B (flute), Ned (organ), Emma T (piano), Olivia L (piano), Eliza (piano),  all gave faultless performances together with Rose who sang beautifully. This was followed by a presentation of flowers - an idea that had come from the Pupil Council. They had suggested that every child should bring in a single flower stem to contribute to an arrangement in memory of Mrs Grimsey. The four  baskets, from EYFS, KS 1, Lower KS 2 and Upper KS 2;  were carried to the altar by members of Year 6, where they were received by Rev Tony.

After the singing of one of Mrs Grimsey's favourite songs, a candle was lit by Ella, the Chair of the Pupil Council. This was closely followed by some of the children's memories of Mrs Grimsey.

Later in the service, Mrs Gulliver, the Chair of Governors, spoke about her memories of Mrs Grimsey. She mentioned the pride that Mrs Grimsey had in the school and how she had worked, with governors, to ensure that St John's become a member of the ODBST.

Mrs Grimsey's love of music was also reflected in the service; Edward L remembered that one of her favourite pieces, Zadok the Priest, had been sung by the school on the occasion of St John's becoming an Academy, and he was sure that Mrs Grimsey would have wanted it to be sung at the service today - it was, amazingly, by the KS 2 children.

As the service came to an end, a beautiful piece of music, by Georges Bizet, was played by Mr Guy Button, accompanied by Mr Sam Laughton. It was a perfect end to the service.

The service was attended by Mrs Grimsey's family, KS 2 children, parents, teachers and governors. There were also representatives from the Oxford Diocese, ODBST, other local schools and the wider community.

After the service, the flowers were presented to Mrs Grimsey's family members.

Thank you to everyone who made this such a special occasion.