Wanstead girls school celebrates 100th birthday

Children enjoyed a picnic in the sunshine in a big marquee outside the school along with activities including a magician, drama and creative workshops and a steel band.

A Wanstead girls school celebrated 100 years since it opened with a garden party and picnic.

St. Joseph’s Convent School for Girls in Cambridge Park was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1918 and on Friday (June 8) it hosted a party to celebrate its 100th birthday.

Children enjoyed a picnic in the sunshine in a big marquee outside the school along with activities including a magician, drama and creative workshops and a steel band.

This was one of a number of ways that the school are celebrating 100 years since it was founded, with other events including a special mass, a centenary disco and a summer fair.

Bishop Alan presided over the celebratory mass before the children were taken outside to enjoy sandwiches and sushine at the tea party - which was organised by the Parents Association.

The Sisters of Mercy’s are members of a religious institute of Catholic women founded in 1831 in Dublin, Ireland by Catherine McAuley.

Their mission was to provide an excellent education for young girls, in keeping with Venerable Catherine McAuley’s vision and inspiration.

Venerable Catherine McAuley was the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

Her aspiration was to educate girls so they could reach their full academic potential and to be confident, safe and happy.

The vision was to structure an outstanding learning environment, whereby girls could enjoy personal, intellectual and religious development through education and personal life-long learning.

Headteacher, Miss Christine Glover told the Recorder: “It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all our fantastic achievements so far, and a chance to look forward to the future.

“We had a lot of fun, and it was a lovely way to celebrate such a big milestone in the school’s history.

“All of the teachers and staff at the school were extremely proud of all the children that took part and I hope that they all had a wonderful day.”