Portsmouth schools celebrate a virtual Easter through the power of social media

The Easter Bonnet Parade has been a long standing tradition at Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS). Not to be beaten by the pandemic, the school decided to take the parade into people’s homes through the power of Facebook.

English teacher, Rebecca Thomas-Snell, said: ‘The end of term Easter Bonnet Parade is a long-held tradition at The Portsmouth Grammar Junior School, with pupils from the Pre-School and Infants donning their Easter creations to walk through the archway and along the High Street in Old Portsmouth. ‘Unfortunately with the school term being cut short, the parade was unable to happen in its usual form, so instead was taken online.’

Families responded to the challenge, using resources from home to create an array of colourful and extravagant hats including oversized Easter eggs, spring chicks and handcrafted flowers. Photographs and videos were submitted to the school’s Facebook page where a virtual parade compilation was put together.

Head teacher, Dr Anne Cotton, said: ‘The Easter Bonnet Parade is one of my favourite events of the year. The pupils and their families always put so much effort in to making something really special.

‘It has been wonderful to be able to hold a virtual parade for the whole PGS community, and wider community, to enjoy.’

Parent, Bryony Hart, added: ‘Lily and Ivan were both adamant that they did not want to miss out on this year's Easter bonnet parade. Being part of the parade, even if remotely, reminded them of their friends, teachers and the PGS community.’

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Meanwhile, Purbrook Park School’s Einstein House has been hosting an online Easter cake competition.

House leader, Claire Cunningham, said: ‘We didn’t want the children to think the school had forgotten about them. We wanted to give them a fun activity which could be enjoyed by the whole family. I have been amazed by how well the children have done.’

Once baked, pupils had to upload their cakes to the school’s Facebook page. The standard has been so high that Mrs Cunningham has been struggling to pick a winner.

‘The cakes all look fantastic. One pupil has even used sugar spinning to create a birds nest. I was going to give out two prizes but I have been so impressed that I’m going to deliver an Easter egg to the doorstep of all those who have taken part,’ she said.