Father John retires after 12 years at Forest Gate school

The Chair of Governors laid a slate in the garden of his school last week to mark the beginning of his retirement after 12 years of service.

Monsignor John Armitage laid a slate engraved with the school motto “In Sanctitate et Doctrina” - meaning “In Holiness and Learning” - in the Jack Petchey garden of St Bonaventure’s School, in Boleyn Road, Forest Gate on Monday July 15.

Father John, who is also Vicar General of Brentwood and parish priest of the Royal Docks, said he will still remain closely involved with the school even though he will no longer be Chair of Governors.