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On Sunday, 9th November 2025, RMS for Girls gathered as a community of pupils, parents, teachers, and alumnae to hold a Service of Remembrance in the School’s Great Hall.
The service began with a Welcome from the Headmaster, Kevin Carson. This was followed by the Presentation of the Colours by the Army Cadets, the Guides, and the Brownies, and the singing of The National Anthem. The service continued with an Opening Prayer of Thanksgiving:
We meet together before God and remember all those He has gathered from the storm of war and taken into the peace of His presence. May that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all people and establish harmony among the nations of the world. We hold before God all those who are suffering through war, violence and terrorism. May those whose lives are overwhelmed by fear find hope and comfort. We ask for help and guidance in knowing the right and good ways to use our lives in pursuit of peace for ourselves, our communities and the world. Amen.
Guests were thoughtfully invited to reflect through a series of readings, reflections, and musical performances:
- The First Lesson was Psalm 91:1-6, read by David Wareham, President of the Old Masonians’ Association. This was followed by a Reflection on ‘Faith and Hope’, which included an extract from the memories of Stanley Scislowski read by Head Pupil Aroush.
- The Second Lesson was Romans 8: 31-39, read by Head Pupil Rebecca, and was followed by a Reflection on ‘Enduring Love’.
- Musical pieces included the hymns “Abide With Me” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”.
- The Army Cadets contributed with a reading of ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling by Cadet Bello (Year 11), and a piece titled ‘What Remembrance Means to Me’, written and read by Cadet Maynard (also Year 11).
- Alicia (Year 12) sang a moving rendition of ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’.
- The Guides, Ellie (Year 8) and Poppy, read ‘Forget Us Not’ by Roger Turner.
- The final hymn was the school’s own “With God’s Love Guiding”, with words by RMS Alumnae Jennifer Harper and Kirsten Macfarlane, and music by RMS parent Anne Dudley.
The service included Prayers for peace from different religious traditions within the RMS community. Prayers concluded with The Old Girls’ Prayer, read by alumna Jenny Newton (née Longland), Class of 1968, Atholl.
Bless O Lord we pray thee, all those who having been here trained in thy faith and fear, have now gone forth to do their duty in the world. Grant them thy grace, that they may remember the lessons that they have here been taught, and may never fall away from thy service, but bravely fighting against sin, the world and the devil may continue faithful unto death and so at length receive the crown of life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Following the service in the Great Hall, the congregation processed to the Dining Hall Quad.
- The Exhortation was read, concluding with the promise, “We will remember them”.
- The Last Post was played by Izzy (Year 12), marking the beginning of the Two Minute Silence.
- The Kohima Epitaph was shared: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today”.
- Wreaths were Laid at the Memorial by The Army Cadets, The Guides, OMA, OMGA, and Head Pupils of the School.
- The congregation then made a Commitment to strive for peace, seek to heal the wounds of war, and work for a just future for all humanity.
After the service, and a break for refreshments, the Great Hall was full again to watch a very special performance of Drill, which this year involved both current pupils, alumnae and staff. You can see photos from drill, and the day as a whole below.
Thank you to all our staff and pupils for helping to organise this service, and to all who attended as we joined together to pay our respects and reflect on the importance of hope and peace in our own lives, and for all humanity.
