In memoriam: Queen Elizabeth II

I didn’t imagine my first reflections of a new academic year would one so poignant as this. Our return to school was fuelled by energy and optimism for the year ahead and at Senior School we spoke at our first assembly of the vital importance of family and it’s meaning in a wider context. The support, kindness and care shown by every member towards the other, has always been a trait of our School and has been so evident since hearing the sad news from Balmoral yesterday evening.

How fitting and comforting it was for so many of us being together at last night’s Parents’ Reception when the news broke of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We were expecting it yet, human nature being what it is, many of us were shocked, upset, disbelieving.

We gathered again as a whole school, albeit on two sites; and I was struck again by our sense of family - our school family: of students, staff, parents and friends who make up our community; we treasured the opportunity to be together, to talk about The Queen, our memories of her, and the impact she has had on us proved, once again, the importance and power of community.

It was only a few months ago that we were all together as a joyous community celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Today, as a School, we gave thanks for her reign, the longest of any British monarch. She has led a life of service and loyalty to the country and the commonwealth that transcends political boundaries and serves as an inspiration to us all.

We will hold a fuller Assembly on Monday and will mark the days of national mourning ahead as is fitting for all schools and communities.