Sadness at Cordier Hill School closure decision

THE Convent of Mercy at Cordier Hill is closing. Parents learnt by letter on Saturday that the preparatory school for three- to seven-year-olds was unable to continue because of a lack of younger Sisters. It will close in July 2005.

But Catholic education will still be available to infants at a new department for boys and girls at Blanchelande Girls' College, which will open in September.

'It is a sad occasion but also a joyful one, because Blanchelande is stepping in,' said Sister Carmel (pictured), on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy.

'Naturally we're going to miss the children terribly, but it's the sensible thing to do. The parents will be upset, but I think they will understand. Some were wondering how much longer we'd last.

'A lot of the mums and dads came here as children and they were taught by some of the Sisters who are here now.'

Although saddened by the news, Blanchelande principal Lesley Le Page said it presented an opportunity for her school.

Blanchelande has always wanted to open an infant department but never wanted to compete with Cordier Hill, which has more than 80 pupils.

'We were desperately sad that the Sisters were stopping. They've made a huge contribution for so many years and it is hard to imagine life without them,' she said.

'But we do see it as a positive move that we can take children in from four or five. It's what parents want.'

Children will still be accepted into the nursery class at Cordier Hill for just one year this September and possibly next.

Depending on how parents feel, the current nursery class could transfer to Reception and then Year 1 until the school's closure.

Alternatively, they could transfer to Blanchelande to complete the infant stage of their education from this September.

'We do not underestimate the shock of this decision,' Sister Carmel wrote in a letter to parents.

'So many of you have been loyal to the school and we have had the pleasure of seeing whole families pass through our classes.

'Thank you for your support. We have enjoyed teaching your children and look forward to the future, whatever that may bring.'

*Parents have been invited to a meeting at Blanchelande at 7pm on Wednesday to discuss the options.