The recent opening of a new school hall and science department at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic School in Rickmansworth, England, was a special occasion. It acknowledged the contribution of Sr Winifred Crowther dj, a former science teacher at the school, and that of the Daughters of Jesus to Catholic education in the area.
Thanksgiving and recognition
An invitation to the Opening and Blessing of these new facilities at the school marked a significant celebration for the Daughters of Jesus in England. It was a time of thanksgiving that recognised the Sisters’ work since the earliest days of our presence in Rickmansworth from 1904, to the present day and beyond in the lives of past students.
In her introduction to the evening, the Headmistress, Mrs Bernadette O’Hanlon paid tribute to the school spirit encouraged by the Daughters of Jesus and acknowledged the particular contribution of Sr Winifred Crowther after whom the new Science Department is named. Mrs O’Hanlon spoke of what she brought to the school by her enthusiasm for learning, her wisdom, her care, insightfulness and wit.
A short, simple liturgy initiated the blessing of the new building by Mgr Paul Mc Aleenan, auxiliary Bishop of Westminster ….
This was followed by an invitation to Annette, Sr Winifred’s niece, and me to unveil a plaque commemorating Sr Winifred’s presence in the school.
A proud history
Founded by the Daughters of Jesus in 1904 with just five pupils, Saint Joan of Arc School grew in size and reputation, finally being transferred to the Diocese of Westminster when it became a mixed Comprehensive under Government policies in the 1970s. When the community of Daughters of Jesus in Rickmansworth closed in 2014, the school maintained a bond of friendship and gratitude towards the Congregation and committed itself to upholding the ethos the Sisters had encouraged. Sr Winifred was the last Daughter of Jesus in regular contact with the school through her trusteeship from 2007 to 2015.
Quoting from the school’s website, Saint Joan of Arc Catholic School :
“continues to be a beacon of excellence in Rickmansworth and the surrounding areas with the school offering a strong Catholic education to over 1200 pupils from 11 to 18 with the aim of developing the whole person in the light of Christ the Saviour.”
A development Sr Winifred would be proud of.
A tour of the new facilities
Along with the niece of Sr Winifred and many other guests, it was a pleasure to visit the new chemistry, physics, and biology labs where students and staff demonstrated experiments. Other students performed drama, dance, and music in the new hall. At the same time, a film showed the new building as it grew from the ground to its present, bright, and spacious state.
An expression of our Rule of Life
This joyful occasion was essentially an expression of our desire to
“collaborate with others to build a better world of justice and brotherhood
where the freedom and dignity of all will be restored.
With them we go forward …”
( Rule of Life art.10)
Sr Teresa McMenamin dj
The Maples, Peterborough
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