Westminster Record - Summer 2019 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record | Summer 2019

Launch of Blessed Family Academy Trust Launch of the first new Catholic Academy Trust in the Diocese of Westminster As spring heralds change and renewal the message from four schools in Harrow in May was also about change as they become academies. In line with the approval of and direction from the Trustees of the Diocese of Westminster St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, St George’s Catholic Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and the Sacred Heart Language College are joining together to form the Blessed Holy Family Catholic Academy Trust. Their governors have agreed that by coming together they can protect, secure and develop the Church’s mission in education. Some academy trusts are in the process of being extended across the diocese but the creation of the Blessed Holy Family Trust is the first to evolve in response to the diocesan wish to create local families of schools. On 1st May Bishop John Wilson, Chair of the Education Commission, in his address to pupils, parents, staff and governors from the four schools at their celebration Mass called this a ‘momentous occasion’,

describing the creation of the trust as a work of love to strengthen and secure Catholic education. Concelebrating with Bishop John were Fr Frank Waters and Fr Paul Harris from St Joseph’s Church, Wealdstone who have been great supporters of the work of Catholic education locally. Bishop John was keen to point out that ‘each school retains its distinctive identity, while now also belonging to something greater: to a family of schools.’ Reflecting on the meaning of Catholic education, he added: ‘As history shows us, Catholic education does not happen by chance. It requires the sustained effort and commitment of so many people to ensure that this work of love, so integral to the mission of Christ’s Church, serves our young people, their families and their local communities.’ The move is in line with diocesan strategy and policy approved in 2016 heralding the move to academisation across its schools. JP Morrison, Director for Education, said: ‘I am delighted that the Catholic family of schools in Harrow have established a new

Catholic Academy Trust. This is an exciting opportunity for our schools to do more with each other and for each other. It will continue to ensure that Catholic education in Harrow develops further partnerships and benefits for pupils and staff alike.’ James Coyle, the Chair of the newly-formed Trust, spoke about the commitment of the governing bodies to make a difference to the families they serve in the local community and their willingness to come together for the good of Catholic education. This marks a significant move towards realising the Trust’s vision to present to the

Catholic community in Harrow a joined-up offer of education for their children from nursery to preuniversity.

Geraldine Higgins, as the new CEO of the Trust, spoke on behalf of the headteachers about how fitting it is that the Trust is named the Blessed Holy Family because that is what they are striving to emulate: a family of schools with love, service and faith at its heart. She said: ‘As a group of headteachers we are excited by the chance to create something new and special that will have a direct impact on the success of our pupils today and for future generations in the foundations that we build.’ The headteachers collaborating in the Trust are Deirdre Monaghan at St George’s, Maria Conlon at St John Fisher, Christopher Briggs at St Joseph’s and Geraldine Higgins at Sacred Heart.

Celebrating 140 years of Catholic education at St Aloysius College Past and present students, staff and parents gathered at St Joseph’s Highgate to give thanks on the 140th anniversary of St Aloysius College at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson. The school was founded in 1879 by the Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy on the site in Hornsey Lane, Highgate, where the current school stands. Over the years, the school has undergone many transformations, from an independent school to a Voluntary Aided Grammar and then a Voluntary Aided Comprehensive. Among its alumni are Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon, Archbishop of Cardiff George Stack and Emeritus Bishop of Middlesbrough John Crowley.

Speaking of the school’s patron saint, St Aloysius Gonzaga, as a ‘true hero’, Bishop Nicholas said: ‘It happens in every generation that there rise up young people who are shining examples of Christianity.’ St Aloysius showed ‘extraordinary courage’, asking to look after victims of the plague, which became the cause

of his own death at age 23. Because of his heroic courage, ‘we’re still talking about him five centuries later,’ said Bishop Nicholas. Like St Aloysius, Bl Piergiorgio Frassati was a young man who ‘lived out radically Jesus’s command, that you must love God and your neighbour; and that you must love your neighbour as yourself. These two young men were shining examples in their time.’ ‘The question is,’ asked Bishop Nicholas of the students, ‘who will be the shining examples of the twenty-first century? Could it be someone you know; or could it even be you?’ Mass was followed by a reception in the school main hall.

Bart, the St Benedict’s therapy dog St Benedict’s, Ealing, has introduced a therapy dog to the school, to help pupils with exam nerves. Bart, a very friendly sevenyear-old Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, has taken up residence at St Benedict's School in Ealing, where he is more than happy to meet pupils of all ages, at break, at lunchtime, and whenever they have a spare five minutes to come in and say hello. Bart is proving very popular and is doing a great job in calming exam nerves, which seems to confirm Sir Anthony Seldon’s view that ‘every school should have a dog or another Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

pet to reduce stress.’ The University of Buckingham vicechancellor said: ‘The evidence is very clear that it works, and every single school, primary, secondary, special, should have dogs.’ The Education Secretary Damian Hinds has noted that more schools seem to have ‘wellbeing dogs’: ‘At first I was a bit surprised, but actually it's a great thing,’ although, he added, that there were no plans for a ‘central dog policy’. Alfie, who is in Year 7 at St Benedict’s, said: ‘I really like coming in to see Bart, even though my exams finished two weeks ago!’ Page 9