A First Class Queen
As a school community it is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a magnificent leader and dedicated supporter of education and young people.
We offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and express profound and sincere gratitude for a lifetime of service and devotion to all the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
In this period of mourning we have brought the community together for a special service to mark this moment in history and reflect on The Queen’s inspirational life. The service ended with this beautiful poem written by our Head of Latin and Classics, Rachel Askew:
A First Class Queen
Elizabeth
Liz
Lilibet
How could you leave?
We need your fragile stability
Your well versed sincerity
Our Christmas philosophy
Our stamp of integrity.
The Queen of hats, handbags
waves, motorcades
Has left.
Announcers swallow lumps
To speak the sad words
A nation reacts.
Some in devastation
Some with consternation
Many with fascination
96 years
15 prime ministers
war, peace, scandal
Yet you remained
Ahead.
A Head of state
Whatever the state.
We recall
your young neck dressed in pearls
Your older neck
bent with Duty.
Gracious till the end
And God save her.
Long lived, she was:
Our noble
Queen.
