ST BARTHOLOMEW’S Primary School has held its first ‘Rafe Day’ in memory of a former pupil who died last year.

Seven-year-old Rafe Larby died suddenly of an undiagnosed illness on February 20, 2020.

A music school was opened at St Bartholomew’s in Rafe’s memory last year, and now the first annual ‘Rafe Day’ has been held on what would have been his ninth birthday.

The day had three key themes. Pupils were encouraged to celebrate and remember their school friend Rafe, and take part in activities inspired by his unique way of learning.

The day, which was held in Children’s Grief Awareness Week, also supported the children to express their grief through creativity.

It started with a whole school assembly outlining the purpose of ’Rafe Day’. This included a reading from The Adventures of Rafe - which was written by his father Charlie - a presentation, and the children singing Rafe’s favourite school song Be Bold, Be Strong. The children then made bracelets and painted stones in his memory.

Rafe’s parents, Georgina and Charlie Larby, said: "When the school first approached us about putting on a ’Rafe Day’ we were touched and hugely grateful that they would tackle such an emotive day.

"We worked with Mr Beckerson and the teachers to give the children a day of creativity and a chance to feel safe about the topic of grief. We felt the day hit the perfect note of reflection and celebration.

"The school came alive with all of the carefully prepared activities, inspired by Rafe and his creative way of learning. And the energy in every classroom was palpable. We loved seeing the children in their own clothes, looking ready for the day’s adventures!

"To us, we felt Rafe in every room. We loved hearing his name on everyone’s lips; hearing the children talk about him, asking questions or simply loving the activities he would have loved - all of this lifted us closer towards him.

"We have also received feedback that the gentle conversations about grief and death left the children feeling less lonely when thinking about their person who had died.

"This was really important to us; giving the children permission to talk about their loved one in a safe environment, helping them with the vocabulary around death and dying.

"The enthusiasm and effort the school and pupils put into the day has blown us away.

“We are so grateful to the school for giving us this special day and helping us heal."

St Bartholomew’s headteacher Charles Beckerson said: "We are very aware of how important it is for children to learn to deal with difficult situations, such as bereavement.

"Losing a member of our pupil community at such a very young age was something you never expect to happen. We celebrated Rafe’s life and what he has left behind for us."