Dear Ashburians,
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passing yesterday at 96 years of age and after over 70 years as Head of State of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries, including Canada, has captured the attention of so many around the world. For those students who are less familiar with our constitutional monarchy here in Canada, our Head of State has been Queen Elizabeth II, and the monarch is represented by our Governor General, today being Her Excellency Mary Simon, whose official residence is very close to Ashbury at Rideau Hall. There will be a period of mourning ahead of the Queen’s funeral that will likely take place over 10 days in London, and many tributes and reflections about her and the remarkable period of her reign will be evident from around the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, other Commonwealth countries and indeed the world. Do take the time to look into the history behind her and her reign. There will be many resources available to you, including those made available by the Governor General of Canada.
As it happens, Ashbury College’s delegation to the Round Square Conference departs next Friday, and some of our students and Round Square delegates from around the world will be in London at this time of mourning, tribute, and change. One of Ashbury’s largest alumni events will also take place during our visit on September 21, gathering Ashburians from around the UK. The Queen’s late husband, H.R.H. Duke of Edinburgh, who started the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Program that so many of our students participate in, was also someone who was strongly connected to the Round Square IDEALS – Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service to others.
On behalf of Ashbury College, our sincere condolences are offered to the Royal Family, the people of Britain and the Commonwealth, as well as our British alumni on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Nous présentons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille royale et les peuples du Royaume-Uni et du Commonwealth britannique, pour le décès de Sa Majesté la reine Elizabeth II.
Books of Condolences are available for any student to sign in person at Rideau Hall today until 7 p.m., as well as online options posted by the Governor General of Canada.
Probitas, Virtus, Comitas,
Mr. Norman Southward
Head of School – Directeur
Photo: Office of the Governor General of Canada
