Let us look forward to the future with hope and be grateful for the past. Life moves on and so must we. And in the spirit of Queen’s, we take comfort in knowing that when we get tired, we rest, not quit, and it is that attitude that sees our girls succeed.
It is a source of immense pride that The Queen’s School was granted the privilege of bearing the name after Queen Victoria issued a royal decree in 1882. And so, when the academic year began with the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen, it provided us with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the phenomenal service she gave, what she meant to the school, and of course be inspired by the strong woman she was.
Sad news too was the passing of Miss Diana Skilbeck, Headmistress of The Queen’s School from 1989 to 2001. At Queen’s, we commemorate her life as we remember her outstanding contribution to education in the country, particularly in her role as president of the Boat Museum Society of Ellesmere Port. She was always full of energy and her personality and positivity was infectious. She will be remembered with much love for all her contributions, both to school and the wider community. Indeed, King Charles III sent a letter of condolence from Buckingham Palace. He described her role as an early volunteer at the Boat Museum as ‘inspirational’ in recognition of her 50-year contribution.
Of course, the passing of the old signals the start of something new, and just as our Year 13s leave us to forge their own futures, the King’s Coronation provided the perfect opportunity to look forward with optimism and hope.
Celebration has been a common theme throughout the year. From our inaugural Sports Awards dinner that saw pupils rewarded and recognised for their achievements and teamwork, Prize Giving, being awarded ‘Best Independent School 2023 – North West England’ in the Private Education Awards or the Nedham House 75th Anniversary, we have much to be thankful for.
This year has also seen a plethora of wonderful trips happen. From pounding the streets of New York, skiing down the pistes of Italy, to experiencing the tastes and architecture of Barcelona, our girls have broadened their horizons and grown as a result, something we strive for here at Queen’s every day as part of our ‘Aspire Globally’ philosophy.
In the pages of Have Mynde 2023, our historic year book, we capture articles and work from pupils which demonstrate how we are continuing that spirit of independent thought which embodies the life and work of a Queen’s girl.
Let us look forward to the future with hope and be grateful for the past. Life moves on and so must we. And in the spirit of Queen’s, we take comfort in knowing that when we get tired, we rest, not quit, and it is that attitude that sees our girls succeed.
Sue Wallace-Woodroffe
Headmistress