The staff and students of Withernsea High School join with countless others in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This morning, a short whole-school assembly took place where Mr Crofts acknowledged ‘this moment of real significance’ in our country’s history – a moment that has seen the passing of our longest-reigning monarch after 70 years of being a constant presence in our lives.

We, as a school, will join with others in reflecting on a remarkable life lived with dedication and dignity that provided hope and stability through some of the best of times, and some of the worst.

Over the coming days and weeks ahead, there will be time for us to reflect as individuals, and as a school community, on this historic moment. Not only will we share in the mourning of Queen Elizabeth’s death, but we will also celebrate her incredible life and explore the milestones that have taken place, both at home and globally, during her lifetime and during her time as our monarch.

We will also begin to look to the future and a new era in our country's history - exploring the role we will all play in ensuring Her Majesty's legacy is carried forward as inspiration for renewed hope and confidence in a changing world.

Acknowledging the range of emotions some may experience, either directly linked to Queen Elizabeth herself, or feelings that her passing may trigger from staff and students’ own life experiences of loss, Mr Crofts spoke of the need to talk, reminding everyone of the help and support that is available in school.

Our collective thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family for their personal loss, as well as those at home and around the world who are mourning Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's passing.