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News > School News > Poppy Dixon visit

Poppy Dixon visit

Very special alumna, Poppy Dixon, is welcomed back to the College
23 Nov 2018
School News
Poppy Dixon visits the Dixon House noticeboard
Poppy Dixon visits the Dixon House noticeboard
On Friday 9 November, Headmaster, Andy Colpus, staff and students were delighted to welcome Poppy Dixon and guests back to the College.
 
As well as being a former pupil (1940s) and teacher at the College on two separate occasions (1950s and 1960s), Poppy is a member of the Dixon family after whom we have recently renamed one of our Houses. Dixon House has been named after founding pupils at the College: Poppy’s father - Howard, uncle – Thomas and aunt – Irene, when the College was known as St Joseph’s Convent and based in Castle Street, Reading.
 
Poppy was accompanied by two guests: Caroline Piller - whose book about the Dixon family is due to be published next year - and her niece, Judy. The very important guests were treated to a tour of the school, led by the Dixon House Captains from both the Prep and Senior Schools, and met with the Head of Dixon House, David Leese.
 
Poppy was thrilled to be presented with her own Dixon badge and to talk to the staff and students about her memories from her College days. She told the children that one of the most important things, which hasn’t changed at all, is that they will get on in life through “hard work”!
 
When Poppy was asked how she found the College today, she commented, “Some of the buildings – like the new Music Centre - are very different, and some - like Broad Oak – remain very similar. What I think still shines through is the ethos; very caring, I think.” The caring ethos of St Joseph’s College has been recently been recognised with the College’s shortlisting for the Wellbeing Initiative of the Year award at the Tes Independent School Awards. The winner of this award will be announced at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday 1 February 2019.
 
We would love to learn more about the founding families after whom the other three Houses have been named: Hummel, Jennings and Richardson. If you have any information, please send this to: alumni@sjcr.org.uk.
 
We are also keen to hear from former pupils, who are warmly invited to attend our annual Alumni Reunion, with the next being held from midday on Sunday 30 June 2019.

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