With the Province having declared Monday a Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth, staff and students at all area schools will pause to reflect on the late monarch’s 70 years of selfless public service.
While schools will be open as per normal, a moment of silent reflection will be held at 1 p.m. at all Kawartha Pine Ridge and Catholic District schools. In addition, flags will remains lowered at schools as they have been since Queen Elizabeth died September 8th at age 96.
In a message to parents, the Kawartha Pine Ridge board noted students and their teachers are encouraged to discuss the Queen’s passing in an age-appropriate manner that recognizes the developmental stages of students and the varied ways the Queen’s passing affects diverse populations in Ontario.
Meanwhile, the local Catholic District school board has directed school principals that participation in the moment of silent reflection is not required of students who request to be excused.
While Queen Elizabeth will be recognized for her “servant leadership” and “commitment to care for the Commonwealth,” a pre-prayer announcement will also note “Her Majesty’s death has brought to the service pain for those people around the globe who have suffered oppression from a monarchial system of governance,” adding “We are mindful of Indigenous people who may honour the Queen but who also have endured the pain of colonialism.”
