On Friday, February 13, 2026, the halls of Davebrook Primary School transformed into a vibrant canvas of red, pink, lavender, and soft peach. But this year, the celebration went far beyond beautiful outfits and shared treats.
Under the profound theme “The Becoming – Unmasked, Confident, and Original,” our pupils engaged in a soul-stirring celebration designed to teach the true meaning of love: self-worth, resilience, and the courage to be oneself.
The day concluded with high spirits, photo sessions, and general merriment. By shifting the focus from gifts to character, the 2026 Valentine’s celebration successfully reinforced the values of authenticity and self-confidence. Our pupils left school not just looking colorful, but feeling “unmasked” and ready to become their best selves.
Cinema with a Purpose: The Story of Ruby
The event kicked off in the school hall, where the Head of School, Mr. Okorie, officially unveiled the theme. The atmosphere then quieted for a powerful movie session.
Pupils watched the inspiring story of Ruby, a brilliant six-year-old girl navigating the post-slavery era in America. The film highlighted her resilience in the face of racism and discrimination. As Ruby struggled to understand why skin color determined treatment, her determination to pursue her education captivated our learners. This session sparked vital conversations about courage, perseverance, and acceptance.
Dropping the “Masks”
Following the movie, Mrs. Jane led an interactive storytelling session that hit close to home for many growing children. She told the tale of Daniel, a boy who constantly switched “masks” to fit into different groups and follow fleeting trends.
The story illustrated how Daniel’s lack of originality eventually led him into trouble. Mrs. Jane used this narrative to teach a crucial lesson: the dangers of pretending to be someone else just to fit in. She urged the pupils to embrace their true selves, regardless of peer pressure.
The Promise of Authenticity
The climax of the event was the “Promise Card” session. Moving from theory to practice, every pupil reflected on the lessons learned. They discussed the need to avoid unhealthy trends and remain resilient in their personal goals.
In a touching moment of commitment, each child wrote down a personal pledge on their Promise Card, vowing to live confidently and authentically.
A Celebration of Joy
The day concluded with high spirits, photo sessions, and general merriment. By shifting the focus from gifts to character, the 2026 Valentine’s celebration successfully reinforced the values of authenticity and self-confidence.
Our pupils left school not just looking colorful, but feeling “unmasked” and ready to become their best selves.