I am sure you will join me in voicing our sadness on hearing news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Royal Family. So soon after our wonderful Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier in the year,  and because  Dunrossness Primary has a special connection with the Queen  as she officially opened the school on her Royal visit in 1969, there is an added poignancy with the announcement   What ever individual views we might hold about the monarchy, the Queen was an  inspiration by her example of humility, respect,  kindness,  loyalty and devotion to  serving the British people.  A remarkable person whose legacy will be marked in history.

Like all public services, the school will be very respectful of the period of national mourning and as such the Union flag will be flown at half mast outside of the school except on the morning of 10th Sept when His Majesty the King is formally proclaimed in the Accession Council.   All other school activities will continue as normal during the period of mourning and all staff will sensitively support children who may be upset  by what they see and hear in the media,  or by any other bereavement they may have experienced recently.  I will update you with any special  arrangements that may be put in place for the day of the state funeral  as we are informed of them.