Dear Staff and Students,
We hope this email finds you well and happy 
Welcome to November!
As we move into November, we’re approaching a very important time of the year—Remembrance Day. This month, we’ll reflect on the meaning of this day discuss the themes of reflection and gratitude, and share the history around this day.
Let’s explore together!
What is Remembrance Day?
Every year on 11th November, the UK observes Remembrance Day to honour the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed in wars around the world.
The date of 11th November marks the end of World War I in 1918, when the armistice was signed and the fighting ended on the Western Front. The day was originally known as ‘Armistice Day’, but was renamed ‘Remembrance Day’ after World War II.
Today, it is considered a time for reflection and gratitude. You’ll notice red poppies (flowers) everywhere, as they are a symbol of remembrance.
Remembrance Day: Traditions
Customs and traditions associated with Remembrance Day include:
Observing a two-minute silence on 11th November, at 11 am to remember those who have died.
Wearing red poppies as a sign of respect and a symbol of remembrance.
Laying wreaths at war memorials to honour those who have died in war.
Playing “Last Post”: this bugle call was originally used to signal that the final sentry post had been inspected, and the camp was secure for the night.
Now, it is used at military funerals, and at ceremonies commemorating those who have died in war.
Displaying flags: On this day people hang the national flag and remembrance day flags. These flags often show the phrase “Lest We Forget” (meaning: “It should not be forgotten”).
There are also commemorative parades, church services, and ceremonies held in towns and cities across the UK, with the biggest event taking place at the Cenotaph in London.
Remembrance Day: Vocabulary
Let’s learn some useful English vocabulary related to Remembrance Day
“Poppy” – A red flower, worn to remember those who have died in wars.
“Veteran” – A person who has served in the military in the past.
“Armistice” – An agreement to stop fighting (the Armistice of 1918 ended World War I).
“Ceremony” – An event to celebrate an important event.
“Memorial”– A statue or monument to remember an important event or person in history.
“Wreath”– A ring, usually made of flowers, used to decorate or mark an important day/ celebration.
“Gratitude”– A feeling of being thankful for something you have or someone has given you.
“Reflection”– Remembering and considering our past, in order to learn from it. 
Remembrance Day: Interesting Facts
The tradition of the red poppy comes from a poem called “In Flanders Fields,” written by John McCrae during World War I.
The phrase “Lest We Forget” comes from a poem by Rudyard Kipling warning people not to forget those who died in war.
The Royal British Legion sells over 45 million poppies each year to raise money for veterans.
Remembrance Day: Events
Remembrance Day is an important day in the UK and commemorative events are held in towns and cities across the country.
There will be a “Festival of Remembrance” taking place in Huddersfield this year.
Date: Friday 8th November
Time: 7.15 pm
Place: Huddersfield Town Hall
Price: FREE
Film/ Movie Suggestion of the Month: The Great Escape (1963)
This classic film is based on a true story about a daring mass escape by Allied prisoners from a German ‘Prisoner Of War’ (POW) camp during World War II.
The story follows a group of determined prisoners who devise a bold plan to dig three tunnels and break out hundreds of POWs simultaneously.
Language Learning Tips:
For Lower Levels: Watch with English audio and subtitles in your 1st language.
For Higher Levels: Watch in English with English subtitles.
Student Graduation!
A big congratulations to Khaled, who has successfully completed his Pre-Intermediate English course with his teacher Gwyn! 🎉 🧑🎓
Khaled worked hard throughout his studies, and we are so proud of his progress. It has been a pleasure to have his vibrant personality and sense of humour at YES, and we wish him all the best as he continues to improve his English skills. Well done, Khaled!
Talk to us! Question of the Month
We want to hear from you! Feel free to write your answer in English and send it to us at info@yeschool.uk (or drop it off at reception). We’ll share some of the best answers in next month’s newsletter!
11th November is a day of reflection and gratitude.
Question:
What does ‘remembrance’ mean to you? Do you have a significant memory or something you are grateful for?
You can also write a message and see all previous issues of our Newsletter on our YES Blog.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for interesting and exciting content!
Last Month’s Question:
What is your favourite Halloween tradition? It can be something you’ve seen here in the UK, something you want to try, or a tradition from your home country.
Staff Write-In (Mary):
“My favourite Halloween tradition is dressing up. I’ve dressed up as a vampire, a fairy and Morticia Addams, at Halloween, in the past.”
Staff Write-In (Abbi):
“I like to buy sparklers and light them on Halloween night with friends!”
Staff Write-In (Gwyn):
“Honestly, Halloween is not as popular in my country as it is in the UK (or the USA), but I remember as a child our neighbourhood would organise ‘trick-or-treating’ groups with the children- people would hang a picture of a pumpkin if they were happy to receive trick-or-treaters (real pumpkins are not very common in South Africa).”
Write-In (anonymous):
“I have always wanted to carve pumpkins😍🎃.”
Write-In (anonymous):
“Me and my friends dressed up as ghosts for a Halloween photoshoot 😂“
Write-In (anonymous):
“I have always wanted to dress up as Hermione from Harry Potter”
Reminders:
Special Offer for General English Courses 🏷️
Limited-time 25% Discount!
Sign up for any General English course receive a 25% discount on all course fees!
Available to all local students (in the UK) who study a minimum of 2 weeks or more.
Please enquire for more details if you are interested 😊
That’s all for our November newsletter!
We hope you have a reflective and meaningful month.
As always, feel free to reach out with your feedback, questions, or suggestions.
You can also see all previous issues of our Newsletter on our YES Blog.
Until next time, take care and happy learning!
The Yorkshire English School Team.
