Dear Parents, Carers and Pupils

It is with great sadness that I write this short tribute to Her Majesty the Queen after the news of her passing yesterday. She was an incredibly inspirational lady and dedicated her life to serving others with over 70 years on the throne. The Jubilee celebrations in June demonstrated how much she meant to so many people, which must have been wonderful for her. She had a wry sense of humour, and this was evident in the James Bond sequence for the London Olympics in 2012. Many of us will also remember fondly the Paddington Bear moment from the Jubilee celebrations.

Queen Elizabeth II embodied our core values, particularly integrity. It is evident how much she was loved as head of her own family. At this time our thoughts and prayers are very much with them and all who have recently lost a loved one.

I know this will be a sad time for many in our school community but know we are working with pupils to understand, make sense of and perhaps most importantly learn from the example Queen Elizabeth II has set. We began this during mentor time this morning, and will continue with assemblies next week.

I’d like to end with this quote from a 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth, from her broadcast to the children of the Commonwealth in October 1940: “And when peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place”.

Best wishes,

Ben Riggott

Headteacher