A tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022 Yesterday afternoon we received the very sad news that the HM Queen Elizabeth II had died at the age of 96. Just a few months ago we all enjoyed the fantastic celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years on the throne, the longest reign of a monarch. We showed our thanks for her lifetime of service to our country and the Commonwealth, and we recognised the example of duty, leadership, kindness and love that she has given to people around the world. Sydney Russell School had the privilege of welcoming the Queen and Prince Phillip to the school in 2015 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the borough. Myself, and many of the teachers who are in the school today, were lucky enough to be here for that very special day. I remember that there was an incredible atmosphere, excitement and anticipation for her arrival, and sheer awe and wonder as we watched her walk into the atrium, walk around the playground, walk through the link canteen, watch performances in the hall and finally unveil the plaque in the atrium. Our faces were instinctively beaming with smiles as she smiled at us, waved and seemingly enjoyed what she saw of our school. I remember thinking that she was so much smaller than I had imagined she would be, and her skin looked so smooth! The death of the Queen is a hugely significant event in the history of our country. Whilst we might not have known the queen ‘personally’, her presence has surrounded us for every moment of most of our lifetimes – be it on the coins in our pockets, the stamps on our letters, the post boxes, the newspapers and magazines or the key ceremonial events for our country…we have been surrounded by her image and her presence, and so her death will mean that some areas of life will begin to feel a little different. As a country we are now in a period of national mourning – people across the country and indeed the world will be paying their respects to the Queen and thinking, very much, about the sorrow the Royal family will be feeling at this sad time. Today in school, we have marked this solemn occasion with assemblies in which we have shared the memories of the Queen’s visit to SRS and recognised her many years of dutiful service. We have talked to the children about the fact that the death of such a key figure, and the significant public response, may trigger emotions for each us in very different ways. There isn’t a right or wrong way to feel at a time like this – things might feel a bit strange, we might feel sad at the news… we might feel sad seeing others around us, friends and family, feeling upset…we might not feel anything at all – there is no rule about how we should feel. What we do recognise, however, is that this is a time to show respect – respect for each others’ feelings, respects for what the Queen has done in her role for 70 years…and quite simply, respect at the time of the death of a 96 year old lady who played a part in the backdrop of all of our lives. The Department for Education has issued guidance that school’s will remain open throughout the period of national mourning. In school we will be narrating the key events of the coming days and weeks as we mark this moment of British history. Wishing you a restful weekend. Mrs Cross Read the full newsletter here