Archbishop John visits St Joseph’s for our 150th anniversary Mass

The highlight of our 150th School Anniversary celebrations so far has been our Mass on Thursday, 28th April 2022.

The day began with Archbishop John visiting the school to bless our Oak tree planted in the Infant playground to commemorate our 150th Anniversary. He then joined the Juniors and the Community Payback group to cut the ribbon to open our new Forest school in the Junior School. This is home to our Apiary (it houses 8 beehives), deep in the forest, and we can also boast a developing wildflower garden in this area (spot the wild bluebells in the pictures).

His Grace spent time talking to the children before moving onto Virgo Fidelis Church to concelebrate Mass with Canon Michael, Fr. James, Fr Anthony, Fr Luke and Fr Philip. The children sang beautifully with enthusiasm and pride. It was an emotional moment for us all, coming together to celebrate our school. Our children’s responses to Archbishop John’s questions showed a good knowledge of St Joseph’s and genuine pride in our school. Many past Headteachers, senior staff and Governors joined us for this momentous occasion.

Our children did us proud and His Grace was impressed with our children and touched by their responses and genuine love of the school. Our thanks to all the staff, and Governors who attended and especially to Mrs Bailey, our Chair of Governors for her support and excellent leadership.

Mrs Ruth Speight rehearsed the hymns with the children over the past weeks and the singing was simply outstanding.

The final thanks must go to Mrs Durie and Mrs Sanders who represented the PTA. The PTA have arranged for special commemorative pins for all the children, Governors, past staff and visitors to commemorate our 150th Anniversary. We all wore them with pride and will treasure this keepsake. They are available to buy on Parentpay, so please log in to your account to buy your own memento for this year.

Thank you to Mrs Sanders also for the beautiful flower arrangements and corsages displaying our school colours. They were just spectacular.

We have been through many challenges over the past two years but our School Mass on Thursday lifted everyone’s spirits. We are so proud of everyone and it is was truly day to be cherished.

Click here for thepicture montage from the day