Around 200 Students at St Blasius Shanklin C of E Primary Academy welcomed the town’s Mayor Jon Gilbey, local councillor Richard Priest and Rev. Tony Richards to a special flag raising ceremony to mark Commonwealth Day 2017 this morning (Monday).
The Commonwealth comprises of 52 countries with a total population of 2.3billion people. Each year there is a day of celebration with a set theme, with this year’s being ‘A Peace-Building Commonwealth’.
To mark the occasion students gathered around the school’s flag pole with the local dignitaries. Councillor Daryll Pitcher also attended the event as a Bugler.
Shanklin Mayor Jon Gilbey said:
“It is really good to see the school recognise days like today. It links to a wider understanding of the world and the cultures that make up the Commonwealth”.
Cllr Richard Priest added:
“My son went to St Blasius and participating in occasions like these generated an interest in international matters, such as the Commonwealth Games which is related to Commonwealth Day and the start of the Baton relay”.
The Commonwealth Games is at the Australian Gold Coast in 2018 and several Island competitors are potential participants. The 2010 Delhi Games saw former Shanklin student Richard Wilson secure a silver medal in the 50m shooting prone pairs.
The ceremony was followed by an assembly given by the school’s Mr Woods detailing the history of the Commonwealth.
Mayor Gilbey concluded:
“Thanks to all the students, especially those that raised the flag, staff and fellow guests – and to Daryll and Tony for their part in this special occasion”.
