Thank you for everything, Ma’am

To mourn the loss, but celebrate the life, of our beloved late Queen Elizabeth II, Year 6 spent some time looking at her life and her incredible reign that has come to an end. We discussed what we can learn from her Christian faith and example of Servant Leadership. How we can use the strength she found in her faith to inspire us to do the same.

Queen Elizabeth was very open about how her faith had helped her through the toughest moments of her reign and we read some of the poignant quotes she had said over the years including:

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service … God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.” Queen Elizabeth II

“It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” Queen Elizabeth II, Christmas message, 2015

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” Queen Elizabeth II, Christmas message, 2014

We also read some poetry about the Queen:

We couldn’t celebrate the Queen without watching some key moments in the most recent years of her reign: Skydiving into the London 2012 Summer Olympics with James Bond and sharing a cup of tea with Paddington Bear.

We then gave Year 6 some time to create a tribute to the Queen in whichever way they felt they wanted to. Some wrote poems, some wrote prayers and some drew portraits. Please find a small selection of work below.

Book of condolences for the St. James’ community – there will be a book of condolences for parents and any members of our school community to sign in the entrance area. We will send this to Buckingham Palace at the time of the funeral to express our condolences as a community. Please do add your messages to the Royal Family.

‘Now let your servant depart in peace.’ Luke 2:29

Thank you for everything, Ma’am