Bishop Alan Williams was the guest of honour at St Bonaventure’s School, Forest Gate on 3 February, when he officially opened its new purpose-built 6th Form building.
The special visit saw him blessing the new standalone building on Lancaster Road after having a tour of the new facilities. He was joined by other guests including parish priest of St Antony’s, Fr John Moloney, governors and friends of the St Bonaventure’s community and people involved with the school.
Starting with a ribbon cutting to officially open the building, the Bishop met with the headboy and headgirl of the 6th Form, Nathan and Balqis, and members of the senior leadership team and guests. They chatted about the benefits the new two-storey space will bring to the school that includes a classroom, study area with computer suites, social space and meeting room.
It will be a dynamic centre for post 16 learning and will support students’ aspirations, achievements and progression. Everyone at St Bon’s is very excited about the new facilities.
Headteacher, Paul Halliwell, added: “The Bishop also blessed the new Cardinal Manning Hall which has been refurbished recently and the visit went really well. I am so pleased our students will benefit from the new additions. The Bishop seemed to be really impressed and 2017 promises to be a great year for St Bonaventure’s as we also celebrate 140 years of education in Forest Gate. Our newest building is a fantastic new addition to our school and I know the students will love it.”