12th September 2022
The staff and students of St Brendan's express our deepest sympathies for the passing of our Queen - Elizabeth II. We are truly grateful for her outstanding service and dedication to Britain and the Commonwealth over the last 70 years.
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey in Central London on June 2, 1953, at the young age of 25. She has since become the longest reigning monarch in British History, ruling for seven decades - it’s easy to forget she wasn’t supposed to have become Queen at all. The line of succession changed when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in 1936 and her father became King George VI. Following the passing of her father, she then became Queen.
Most of us and our families have known Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch for our entire lives, and many of us will feel a deep sense of loss and sadness. We'd like to thank her Majesty for the support and guidance she has provided for schools and colleges and what a transformative impact this has had on our young people.
As we have now entered a period of national mourning that will continue until the end of the state funeral. The guidance we have received from the Department of Education states clearly that schools and further education colleges should remain open. The exception to this is Monday 19th September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral – this will be a national bank holiday, and therefore the College will be closed for the day.
We would like to remind our staff and students of the avenues of support available on campus from our Mental Health and Wellbeing team and also our College Chapel:
- We would like to provide a space for solace and reflection, where students can pay their respects.
- We are offering a space to light a candle, pray and reflect.
- We will offer support around bereavement and loss.
- A book of condolences is also available for students and staff to sign.
Please note our Chaplaincy is always open for anyone who would like to talk.
During this challenging time, our sympathy is with the whole country, particularly with members of Her Majesty’s family.
