Suffolk schools including in Bury St Edmunds reflect on the loss of Queen Elizabeth II
Schools across Suffolk are marking the Queen's death with assemblies and silences, and are discussing loss and grief with pupils as well as the implications of having a new monarch.
This year has seen students learn about Queen Elizabeth II, the country's longest reigning monarch, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for her 70 years of service.
Today, educators have been speaking to pupils about the loss of Her Majesty following her death yesterday at the age of 96.
Sebert Wood Community Primary School in Bury St Edmunds said: "We are all very sad to hear the news regarding our Queen.
"This morning the children have attended school assemblies where we spoke to them about the Queen's death and loss.
"We have reassured the children that many people will be feeling strange and possibly sad during this time, and encouraged them to talk to each other and adults about how they are feeling too.
"We also talked about visual changes we will see having a new King, ie money, post boxes, stamps and, importantly, a change to our National Anthem.
"The children from Key Stage 2 will have discussions over the period of mourning where they will talk and discuss loss, grief and also the implications of having a new King. Younger children will have similar discussions (age appropriate) within their class groups.
"We will be following any guidance from the government regarding silences etc and many staff have role-modelled respect by choosing to wear items of black clothing."
Maria Kemble, executive head of St Edmund's RC Primary School in Bury St Edmunds, said: "We had an assembly to celebrate her life and prayed for her and her family.
"We wanted it to be a positive reflection on a person who dedicated their life to others and provides inspiration to our young people of how to live and serve."
She said they were also waiting for further guidance from the government to decide how they could further support the children to understand the 'momentous events' they are witnessing.
In Old Newton, Stowmarket, the bells of St Mary's Church rang out this morning as students and staff from Old Newton C of E Primary School walked there to attend a special, reflective service.
Jo Lockyear, headteacher of Old Newton Primary School, said in school there was a prayer tree in the hall with photographs of the Queen.
Students have been able to write their own prayers and some of the older children have written down their thoughts on how they feel about the news and what they will remember about Her Majesty.
Mrs Lockyear added: "Some of the pupils have been visibly upset so we just gave them the opportunity to talk and let them know it's okay to feel sad."
They expect to hold a minute's silence over the next few days.
At Sybil Andrews Academy in Bury St Edmunds all students watched a video of the Queen's reign this morning in tutor time and the whole school was due to pause this afternoon for a collective act of reflection.
Students will be able to write in a condolence book at the school from Monday.
Schools and trusts have also paid tribute to Her Majesty on social media and talked about how they are marking the sad occasion.
Thurston Community College and Thurston Sixth said: "Today, the College community joins the rest of the country and Commonwealth to commemorate the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
"Students have learned about and discussed her 70 years on the throne this morning during tutor time.
"Our thoughts are with the Royal family and we will continue to pay our respects as a community during assemblies next week."
Cockfield Primary School, south of Bury St Edmunds, said they would also celebrate fun moments 'including the Queen and James Bond, and Ma’amlade sandwich Your Majesty? [from the film at the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace]'
Chantry Academy in Ipswich held a minute’s silence at 9am today in honour of Her Majesty, 'during which time both staff and students will reflect on the amazing work she did for our country'.
"Meanwhile, extensive emotional and pastoral support for any students affected by the news, especially relating to bereavement will be available," they said.
Elveden C of E Primary Academy planned to hold an assembly today 'to explain and mark this sad but momentous occasion'.
"Staff will support children in sensitive discussions and once further guidance is available, preparations will be made for formal observation in school," they said.
If so, schools will be closed on this date.
