Ripon school to hold ‘Elf Day’ in memory of pupil killed in A61 crash
Holy Trinity Church of England School[1] in Ripon[2] is holding an elf-themed day today in memory of a pupil who was killed in a fatal collision on the A61. Six-year-old Ihor Bartieniev, who was Ukrainian, died as a result of a collision on the road between Ripon and Harrogate[3] in September. Ihor’s mother Daria Bartienieva, 35, and stepsister Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, were also killed in the crash.
To celebrate his life, pupils and staff are invited to dress up as elves, wear elf hats or simply wear red and green non-uniform clothing. Children will take part in the school’s trinity trot, whereby pupils run laps of the playing fields, and activities organised by older pupils.
In addition, the school has asked pupils to bring a donation which will fund a story-telling chair in Ihor’s honour. Headteacher of Holy Trinity School, Sue Sanderson, said:
“Ihor always had great tales to tell, so a story-telling chair seems a fitting way to celebrate his life.
“It will travel through school with his classmates.”
Ms Sanderson also described Ihor as being “so full of fun and sparkle”.