Following the fire at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Willesden on 22 September which devastated the roof and top floor, staff and pupils have been relocated to temporary accommodation whilst work is carried out on the school site.
Newman Catholic College welcomed staff and pupils from St Joseph’s, providing accommodation for nearly the entire school, with the exception of nursery and reception which are situated not far away. St Joseph’s have moved into the sports hall, drama studio, and sixth form building of Newman College, in addition to a purpose-built porta cabin on the school site.
Dawn Titus, Executive Headmistress of St Joseph’s, was keen to keep their school community together as far as possible and was pleased to have been able to relocate pupils and staff to the site of a Catholic school. The two schools have worked together to come to an arrangement that reduces the impact to students of both St Joseph’s and Newman College and the local community. St Joseph’s have a designated area on the school site to give the children and staff as much freedom and sense of community as possible during the time they are based there.
‘I would like to thank Breda Kirby, Associate Headmistress, and Bridget Pratley, Associate Deputy Headmistress, as their support, along with all my staff, has been nothing short of amazing.’
Pupils have taken the relocation in their stride and continue to engage fully with their learning and maintain excellent standards of behaviour despite their new and unusual environment.
Understandably, the fire was distressing for staff, pupils, and parents, but the school community has come together to ensure that stability and support are provided during this time of transition and uncertainty.
On 19 October Bishop John visited the staff and pupils of St Joseph’s and was impressed by the cooperation between the two schools, how quickly the relocation was carried out and how well pupils and staff have settled and adapted to their new environment.
After his visit, Bishop John said, ‘I would like to thank the staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Newman Catholic College for the way in which they have worked together to enable the children to be located at Newman College and continue their schooling. I also add my gratitude to Brent Council and the Diocesan Education Service for their outstanding dedication. The amount of cooperation and sense of solidarity shows Catholic education at its best.’
Out of the tragedy of the fire, the local Catholic community responded generously to support St Joseph’s. The complete dedication of Dawn Titus, Breda Kirby, Bridget Pratley, and all of St Joseph’s staff has meant that children returned to school just over a week after the fire took place. Plans are underway to move back to the school’s original site where porta cabins will be erected while work is being carried out to restore the school building.
An event such as this often stretches a community to its very limits, but it is clear that the St Joseph’s community is stronger than ever and its focus on providing children with the best Catholic education possible is still at the heart of all they do.
