We were delighted to warmly welcome Old Johnians back to St John’s for the OJ Dinner on Friday 2 September.
Following a few years of disruption owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was especially fitting that we were able to open our doors and welcome OJs again to celebrate the historic occasion of the 150th year of St John’s School in Leatherhead.
The evening was an intimate and special moment, with OJs enjoying revelling in the opportunity to catch up with old friends and contemporaries and make new acquaintances with other OJs from different years.
Amongst the beautifully refurbished Dining Hall, OJs were able to see a number of archive findings carefully curated from the important moment in the School’s history, as it moved from Clapton House in London to our wonderful home in Leatherhead that we all admire today.
After a wonderful three-course meal, the Acting Head, Rebecca Evans, spoke about the School in its current form and the plans for the future. OJs were overjoyed to hear of the many successes the recent year has afforded, from our recent ISI Inspection, academic results, and the many events and opportunities the community has enjoyed.
The Chairman of the Old Johnians, Mark Cooper also spoke to the visitors and toasted HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and following the event he remarked:
‘Whilst we admired the campus during the evening (much improved since my days!) I was acutely aware that is not the buildings that ‘make’ St John’s, but the people. And like the school buildings, we also need to evolve as a community.’
We very much look forward to warmly welcoming more OJs back to St John’s again soon.
