Pictured above from left: Philip Voke of Voke Interiors who undertook the library refurbishment, Julia Feeney, Governor and David Hallé, Chair of Governors
It was wonderful to welcome so many of the extended St Joseph’s College community including past staff and governors, to the College for this year’s annual celebration of Founders Day.
This special day is a chance to reflect and remember in thanksgiving, the four sisters who left France in 1894 on a Mission to bring the charism of St Marie Magdalene Postel to Reading.
The day commenced with Fr Joseph Simmons, who is currently studying at Campion Hall, Oxford, celebrating Mass with all pupils from across the school.
He spoke with infectious enthusiasm and quoted Daniel Burnham an architect “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work”.
He also encouraged the students to find their ‘Moai’ to support them in these plans as they journey through life.
A delicious lunch was served in the Theatre to all our guests who had the chance to catch up on all the latest news from their fellow community members. Our talented musicians kept the guests entertained and our Head Students spoke enthusiastically and eloquently.
The celebrations then moved to the newly refurbished College library. Here guests were welcomed by Mrs Van de Weg the librarian, heard the prize-winning poems from the College-wide poetry competition, held last month, and some excellent readings by LAMDA students. The College Library was then formally opened by Mr Colpus, the former Headmaster, who shared with all assembled that the vision to refurbish the library had been on his ‘to do’ list from the start of his tenure and had been finally realised.
Thanks to all the staff and pupils, both past and present, who helped to make this such a memorable celebration and remembrance of the history of the College.
