Bishop Douglass School in Finchley this year celebrated the 50th anniversary of its opening. New Headteacher, Martin Tissot, a former student of the school, and Governors were delighted to welcome Cardinal Vincent to the school to celebrate Mass with Vice-Rector of Allen Hall and former student of the school Fr Michael O’Boy and Fr Kevin Ryan.
Students and staff past and present were in attendance for the celebration including the first Head Girl, Mrs Maureen Glencross (née Farrell) and Ms Iride Villa, one of the founder members of staff and Deputy Head for 35 years. Cardinal Vincent made reference in his homily to the first reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, pointing out that God makes time for every occupation under heaven.
A high-point of the service was a drama performed by Year 9 pupils celebrating the unchanging values of Bishop Douglass School. In a speech, Mr Tissot paid tribute to the former students, staff, headteachers and governors who had played their part in shaping the values and ethos of the school. He also said the school was still in the first flush of its youth and had the energy to continue its recent notable improvement.
By Sile Milligan
