By Eric White

ST MARK’S West Essex Catholic School in Harlow is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this academic year.

As part of the celebrations the school community was honoured to welcome the Right Reverend Alan Williams SM, Bishop of Brentwood, when he visited the school for its Golden Jubilee, on 5th May to celebrate Mass for Years 7&8 and to meet staff, governors and pupils.

At the end of his visit Bishop Alan said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at the school, was impressed by the talents and behaviour of the pupils and looked forward to visiting again.

St Mark’s opened on 8 September 1965 and a series of events have been taking place since September 2015 to celebrate this milestone in the school’s history.

First Year 1’s

The original cohort of 100 pupils and 6 staff, under the leadership of the founding headteacher Anthony O’Shea MC BA , was housed in temporary accommodation on the site of Holy Cross school as the building work was not completed in time, however, on 7 January 1966 the doors opened at the Tripton Road site.

Tony O’shea

Mr O’Shea was passionate about comprehensive education and his vision was to provide an excellent education for young people of all abilities in an environment where their personal faith could be supported and nurtured.

Fifty years and three headteachers later, St Mark’s has 1000 pupils on roll and this original vision for the school is shared by the staff and governors of St Mark’s today.

Elaine Heaphy and pupils

Headteacher Elaine Heaphy said: “This is a significant year for St Mark’s and we are delighted, and thankful, that Bishop Alan was able to celebrate Mass with us for our 50th anniversary; his visit to the school made it an extra special occasion.”

Former St Mark’s pupils and staff are invited to a reunion event on Friday 1st July 5.30pm – 8pm. Please refer to the school’s website www.st-marks.essex.sch.uk for details.

Bishop Alan with Mack and Lucas