Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School Marks Armistice Day with Remembrance Service

Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School in High Barnet observed Armistice Day with a Service of Remembrance for its pupils. The ceremony, held on the school lawn at the junction of Barnet High Street and Meadway, included a choral performance by the school choir. This initiative, now in its second year, aims to educate younger students about wartime sacrifices.

Stephanie Rodgers, the school’s interim head teacher, used the occasion to share a personal connection to the day. She recounted the story of her grandfather, Frederick Burgess, who died from wounds sustained in Italy during the final stages of World War II. Ms Rodgers read from a letter her grandfather had written to her uncle in December 1943, seven months before his death. The letter, which had previously gained national attention when featured in a VE Day service at Westminster Abbey, offered words of encouragement and affection to his young son.

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Ms Rodgers explained the profound impact of her grandfather’s words, noting the blend of humour, affection, and the underlying uncertainty of war. She highlighted that her grandfather never returned home and was buried in Italy, far from the family he had hoped to see again. By sharing this family history, Ms Rodgers told the pupils that she hoped they would understand that each name and date associated with wartime represents a real individual.

The service also featured readings of Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Sophia from year seven and John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Maria from year eight. The school choir performed ‘The Parting Glass’ by the Wailin’ Jennys. Following the choral tribute, Air Cadets Lucy from year nine and Ria from year ten laid flowers at the war memorial. The ceremony concluded with the playing of ‘The Last Post’ and a two-minute silence.

Separately, Father Sam Rossiter, Team Vicar, led a Remembrance Day Service at the war memorial outside Barnet Parish Church, also observing a two-minute silence for Armistice Day.

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