Queen Elizabeth II

It is with real sadness that my first communication with our community since becoming Principal at Fairfield is to communicate about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday evening. I would like to express my condolences on behalf of the Fairfield community to all affected by this sad news.

The stabilising presence that she has provided throughout so many years has been a reassuring constant and one that perhaps we had taken for granted.  Her strong leadership and incredible work ethic has set an example for us all.

At Fairfield today our students will have the opportunity to engage with the start of the period of mourning by watching the coverage of the bell ringing at 12:00 and the gun salute at 13:00. Should the address to the nation from King Charles III take place during the school day, we will ensure our students and staff can watch this. Over the coming few days and weeks we will provide opportunities to remember and celebrate the Queen further.

Once we have more information about how the country will collectively engage in the celebration of the Queen’s life, we will communicate this via our website and Parentmail.  In the meantime, our tutor team and wider pastoral teams will be facilitating conversations, providing space and time for reflections and supporting students who feel adversely affected by the sad news.

School business will continue as normal with our scheduled events going ahead during the period of mourning. It is my understanding that the day of the funeral will be designated a Public Holiday but this date is, as yet, unconfirmed.

Although this is a sad end to my first week as Fairfield Principal, I would like to say that it is with great pride that I lead such a wonderful school. I share the sentiment of the 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”.

Fairfield students have had a brilliant return to school and I am optimistic for the future of the country, the commonwealth and the world, with these young people at the helm.

Kind regards,

Amanda Bridgewater,

Interim Principal, Fairfield High School