St Martha’s 70th Anniversary Founder’s Day Mass

2017 is a very significant year for St Martha’s School. Although the school was founded by the Sisters of St Martha in 1903, the senior school moved to its current location in Hadley Wood in 1947 and so this year marks the school’s 70th anniversary.

Events to make this occasion began on Friday 20 January, with Mass celebrated by Fr Bernard whose association with the school dates back to the schools 40^th anniversary. The whole school community gathered to celebrate this special event together with trustees, governors, priests, the Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne Antide, current parents as well as former students, teachers and even a former pupil who was one of the first students, at the Hadley Wood site, exactly 70 years ago!

The atmosphere was prayerful and showcased the outstanding behaviour and maturity of the students. The history of St Martha’s School was detailed by Mr Burke who referenced the sacrifice the sisters have made in order to make St Martha’s the school it is today. The common thread was the idea of ensuring that everyone who comes through the doors of St Martha’s is supported in order to develop their individual gifts.

Beginning with just the beautiful 16th Century Mansion House the school has expanded to fill the site over the years. Within the last three years alone the school has secured brand new science facilities, a refurbished Sixth Form and Library as well as a makeover of the school reception. With public examination results improving every year and first choice university places being secured as the norm the school really can say it fulfils its aims of treating each girl as an individual and with the hope that each and every student who leaves at 18 knows they can make a difference to the world, or at least a small part of it.